SB 405 
.B835 




See page 8. 



YOUNG FLORIST; 

OR 

CONVERSATIONS 

ON 

THE CULTURE OF FLOWERS 

AND ON 

NATURAL HISTORY, 

WITH NUMEROUS ENGRAVINGS, FROM ORIGINAL DESIGNS. 



BY JOSEPH BRECK, 

Superintendent of the Horticultural Garden, Lancaster, Maes. 




BOSTON: 
RUSSELL, ODIORNE AND CO 

1833. 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1833, 
By John B. Russell, 
In the Clerk 'a Office of the District Court of Massachusetts. 



4 



boston: 

PRINTED BY TUTTLE AND WEEKS. 



6 



PREFACE. 



This work is designed by the author to attract 
young persons to that delightful employment, the 
cultivation of a flower garden. It consists of fa- 
miliar dialogues between the juvenile cultivators ; 
the scenes of which are laid in the garden and the 
fields, so as to impart reality and animation to their 
inquiries. With the study of flowers he has en- 
deavored to intermingle a taste for natural history, 
by introducing many incidental facts relative to in- 
sects, &c. that naturally suggest themselves in the 
culture of a garden. How well he has succeeded^ 
the public must judge. 



THE YOUNG FLORIST. 



MARCH. 

Margaret. O, Henry, pray come to the 
door and hear this sweet bird, how delight- 
fully he sings. 

Henry. Yes, dear sister, his notes are 
cheering indeed ; it is the blue bird, see ! 
there he flies. 

M. What broad and full wings he has, and 
how beautifully the rich azure blue of his back 
is contrasted with the rusty iron color of his 
breast and the white beneath. He seems to 
say, how grateful I am for this fine morning. 

H. This beautiful morning, and the tones 
of the blue bird, tell us that winter is nearly 



s 



MARCH. 



over, and that spring is approaching, decked 
with a profusion of flowers. 

M. How glad I shall be, after so much 
snow and ice and cold, to hare warm weather 
come, the green grass spring up, and the little 
flowers appear ; and then our Crocuses and 
Snow Drops will he first to cheer the desola- 
tion of the garden, 

H. Get your hat and cloak, and we will 
take a trip over the fields, on the hard crust of 
snow, and talk of a plan for a new garden I 
have in my mind, as you know we have but a 
small patch, which was so crowded with plants 
last year that it looked like a thicket. 

M. With all my heart, dear brother ; the 
thought of again resuming our labors in the 
garden, this fine morning, and your company 
will make a walk very grateful. 

H. Take my arm, and we will cross the 
brook over the log bridge, and pass through the 



MARCH. 



9 



woodland where we built our rustic arbor last 
season, to the hill where we haye so often en- 
joyed ourselves in gathering wild flowers, and 
making them into garlands, under the shade of 
the beautiful clump of trees that adorn its" 
brow. 

M. Now for your plan, which is uppermost 
in my mind. 

H. You always seem to be pleased with 
flowers and the operations of the garden ; and 
it seems strange to me that any person can be 
insensible to the profusion of beauty, which 
God, in his infinite goodness, has seen fit to 
bestow upon flowers. The great variety of 
colors and shades, shapes and odors, which 
meets our eyes and perfumes the air, at every 
step we take, should lead our admiring souls up 
to the great Creator of all things, who seems 
to smile in every flower we see. 

M. I have often thought, some of. my most 
2 



10 



THE YOUNG FLORIST, 



pleasant hours have been spent in the garden ; 
how calm and happy I have been, when rising 
early from my bed, to observe the progress of 
the plants, while my ears were greeted with 
the softest music from every shrub and tree ; 
and if ever my soul has been filled with love 
and gratitude to our Heavenly Father, it was 
then, 

H. While we are engaged in the garden, 
we are not confined altogether to flowers ; 
for we see a multitude of other objects which 
attract our attention, such as birds and insects, 
and we shall be led to study the history of 
these, which will interest us more and more 
at every step we take ; so that while our bodies 
are benefited by the healthy exercise we take, 
our minds will be more expanded, and our views 
more enlarged, and it is on this account that 
our dear father has promised us a larger piece 
of ground, on which we may enjoy ourselves, 
when not engaged in study or other duties. 



MARCH. 



M. Do tell me where it is. 

H. At the bottom of the garden, on the 
brook that so gracefully winds through the 
meadow below. 

M. What, by the great elm ? 

H. Yes ; you know it w r as cultivated last 
year and is now in good order ; and father will 
let Daniel do some of the hardest work, such 
as wheeling gravel for the walks. 

M. He is a kind father ; he is always 
ready to do anything which he knows will be 
for our good. What a delightful spot this is ; so 
high above the brook that it will always be 
free from wet ; and then its banks you know 
are lined with some fine native shrubs, which 
will be quite an acquisition to the garden. 

H. There is the bunch of Kalmia that we 
have so often admired with its evergreen, 
shining leaves, and showy pink flowers, which 
Daniel was going to cut down ; he said it was 



12 



THE YOUNG FLORIST. 



Kill Lamb 5 and would poison the sheep ; I pre- 
vented him and told him we did not pasture our 
sheep in the garden. 

M. And then there is my favorite, the Wild 
Rose, so delicious and fragrant; the Rodora, 
whose beautiful purple blossoms appear so early, 
even before the leaf buds begin to unfold ; the 
Azalea or Swamp Honeysuckle, whose flow- 
ers perfume the air in June ; and the Black 
Alder, with its fine scarlet berries, which so 
enlivens the autumnal scenery. 

//. We will have a fine collection of Amer- 
ican plants ; these we have named ; and many 
others are among the most ornamental that can 
be brought from any country ; we will at our 
leisure search the woods, meadows and fields 
for flowers and plants to decorate our little 
patch, and although we can afford to buy but 
a few plants, we will have a garden the gayest 
of the gay. 



MARCH. 



13 



M. The Violets and other wild flowers we 
transplanted last year have done wonderfully, 
and will encourage us to go on until we have 
all our native plants within the compass of a 
few yards. But how do you mean to lay out 
the ground ? 

H. I have a plan in view, but should like 
first to know what your taste is. 

M. I am of opinion it should not he laid 
out too mechanically — I am pleased with ser- 
pentine walks and irregular plats or beds. We 
should strive to imitate nature as much as pos- 
sible, which has a much better effect than a stiff 
formality ; and as a proof of this, do but notice 
this beautiful winding pathway, through the 
grove in which we are now walking, and com- 
pare it with the straight one which we have 
just left, and say if this does not give greater 
pleasure to the eye ? 

H. Your taste is very good ; but remember 



14 



THE YOUNG FLORIST. 



ours would be but a puny imitation of nature, 
in a garden forty feet square ; had we acres of 
pleasure ground. I should admire to lay it out in 
the style you suggest. 

M. Now I remember you are studying 
geometry, and of course you will want to mark 
it out with the square and compasses ; but I feel 
quite satisfied to submit entirely to your supe- 
rior judgment. What is your plan ? 

H. I have been contriving one, but can 
explain it to you better on paper than in any 
other way, and will show it to you this eve- 
ning. 

M. Do. I am impatient to see it, but it is 
time to return ; I am afraid we shall be late at 
school, and the bright warm sun begins to soften 
the snow ; a few days more and the snow banks 
which are so piled up beside the walls, and 
make the passage of them so easy, will disap- 
pear. 



MARCH. 



17 



H. Yes, but we shall have much boisterous 
weather yet, as this is only the 4th of March, 
and winter and spring will have many a hard 
encounter, before the latter comes off con- 
queror. 

31. We were so delighted with the appear- 
ance of the blue bird this morning that I have a 
mind to note it down in our floral calendar. 

When evening came, Henry produced the 
plan, which you see on the preceding page. It 
was altogether unintelligible to Margaret until 
he explained it in the following manner. 

H. You see here a square, within which . 
are three circular beds, or concentric circles, 
having two rows of figures in each. Now 
these circles are to be filled with annual flow- 
ers, and each number represents a different 
sort, and you see they are numbered as high as 
100, so that I have designed it for one hundred 
different kinds, 



18 



THE YOUNG FLORIST. 



I shall shortly show you a list of these, with 
their numbers opposite to their respective 
names. 

I have contrived it so that the tallest plants 
shall be in the centre and cover an arbor, as 
you see I have marked. You see a walk from 
the outside of the square to the arbor, commu- 
nicating with one large and two smaller circular 
ones. 

For the inner circle of all, such plants as 
climb to the height of ten feet or more, as the 
Morning Glory, Flowering Beans, occ, for 
which it will be necessary to put down birch 
poles with the branches of the tops left on to 
form the arbor. 

For the second row you will find I have se- 
lected Sweet Peas, Cypress Vine, Nasturtium, 
&c. which are also climbers, and will require 
brush for their support, neatly trimmed, about 
four and a half feet high* 



MARCH. 



19 



For the third circular row, the tallest plants 
which do not climb ; and each successive circle 
of plants diminishes in height to the outer one, 
which is composed of dwarfs — and you will 
find by inspecting the key that no two kinds 
or colors of flowers come together, so that 
when it is all in bloom, it will have the appear- 
ance of a cone of flowers of every shape, color 
and shade tastefully intermingled, as represent- 
ed in the following drawing ; in which, how- 




ever, I have not introduced any arbor, which 
can be done or not, at pleasure. 



20 



THE YOUNG FLORIST. 



M. This will be beautiful, surely, and 
must have taken some time and patience to 
arrange it ; but I think it will be a perplex- 
ing piece of work to transfer it to the ground, 
and have all the plants sowed in the place you 
have allotted them. 

H. Nothing will be easier, as you will see 
when I come to lay it out and sow them. 

Af. What is to be put in the outer part of 
the figure, and what is the meaning of the 
letters ? 

II. That is the place for the perennial 
plants that we have in our little garden, and for 
such as we may procure from other gardens 
and the fields, and may be arranged in any 
fanciful manner we please. The letters rep- 
resent fanciful groups of flowers to be in bloom 
at the same time, for different months of the 
year, to be composed of annuals and peren- 
nials. Ju. for July, Au. for August, A. for 



MARCH. 



21 



April, M« for May. &c. 3 and here you may have 
opportunity to exercise your taste. 

M. That will please me ; and by the time 
you get the ground in readiness. I will exhibit a 
plan for every month in the season. 

I wish you would give me a copy of that 
part which contains the annuals, as I wish to 
send it to cousin Eliza : she has hut a small 
piece of ground and her father has no place of 
his own, and of course does not waist to be at 
the expense of cultivating many perennials, as 
he moves so often from one place to another. 

H. I shall be happy to furnish you with a 
copy for her, and will also send her a portion of 
our seeds, with directions how to cultivate 
them. On the following pages you will 
see a list of the plants arranged in order ; 
you will find some numbers and plants inserted 
twice ; this is done to fill out the circle ; and 
some of them are very showy. Be particular 



22 



THE YOUNG FLORIST. 



not to make any mistake while you write it off 
for her. 



A KEY TO THE PLAN FOR A GARDEN. 



First Circle. 

No. 

1 Scarlet Flowering Bean, 
X2 Blue Morning Glory, 

3 White Flowering Bean 
+4 Rose Morning Glory 

5 Purple Flowering Bean 
$6 Superb Striped Morning Glory 
t7 Scarlet Morning Glory, or Ipomea 

8 Two Colored Lemon Gourd } 
(ornamental fruit) ) 

tO Starry Ipomea 

Second Circle. 
tlO Nasturtium 
*11 Scarlet Sweet Pea 
X12 Balloon Vine 
*13 Purple Sweet Pea 
*14 Mexican Ximenisia 
1*5 Cypress Vine 
*16 White Sweet Pea 
$10 Nasturtium 

*17 Tangiers Crimson Sweet Pea 
112 Balloon Vine 
15 Cypress Vine ( scald this seed ) 



scarlet. 

dark and light blue, 
white. 

purplish red. 
purple, 
white striped, 
scarlet. 

yellow, 
delicate blue 

deep orange, 
red. 

white, curious seed pcdd 

purple. 

yellow. 

brilliant crimson, 
white. 

deep orange, 
dark crimson, 
white. 



MARCH. 



23 



Third Circle 

• 




+lo Keel r our o Clock 


deep red. 


+ly V lolet Zinnia 


violet. 


+20 Yellow Immortal Flower 


brilliant yellow. 


t21 White Chrysanthemum 


white. 


t&g rnnce s r eatner 


very dark red. 


*23 Tall Blue Larkspur 


lively blue. 


+24 x ellow r our o Clock 


yellow. 




c elegantly variegated 


*25 Variegated Euphorbia 


\ white and green. 


r-io rCed L.avatera 


light red strip'd with deep 


t^7 .Blue Commelina 


celestial blue. 


128 Yellow Chrysanthemum 


yellow: 


tyii White Lavatera 


pure white. 


tJU Love Liies .bleeding 


blood red. 


iy v ioiet Zjiniiia 




v £»lJr»Tv Tiv» in r»ft a 1 K lnwor 

f f4U 1 CUUW IIIIIHUI lal JL 1U WCl 




*21 Variegated Euphorbia 


white and green. 


t26 Red Lavatera 


light red. 



Fourth Circle. 
131 Grand Flowering Argemone 



C elegant white flower and 
X yellow centre, 
tawny yellow, 
pale purple. 
c each leaf red, yellow and 
( brown, 
white with purple centre. 
t36 Grand Flowering Evening Primrose yellow. 



J32 Yellow Zinnia 

*33 American Centaurea 

J34 Tricolored Amaranthus 

t35 Long Flow r ered Four o'Clock 



24 



THE YOUNG FLORIST. 



37 Purple Amaranth us _ ") 

( Soak the seed in milk 24 hours) ) 
$33 Red Zinnia 
39 White Amaranthus ' 

(Soak the seed in milk 24 hours ) 

*40 Golden Coreopsis 

$41 Red Opium Poppy 

$42 Crimson Cockscomb 

+35 Long Flowered FourVClock 

$43 African Marigold 

37 Purple Amaranthus 

34 Tricolored Amaranthus 

39 White Amaranthus 
$44 French Marigold 
$41 Red Opium Poppy 
$42 Crimson Cockscomb 
*45 African Hibiscus 

t4G Night Flowering Primrose 
$27 Commelina 

Fifth Circle. 
147 Tricolored Chrysanthemum 
48 D'ble white and -variegated Balsams 
t49 Fennel Flower or Love in a Mist 
*50 Red Quilled Aster 
f 51 Long Flowered Evening Primrose 
*52 White Expanded Aster 
$53 Blue Lupin 



purple, 
red. 
I white. 

r fine yellow with brown 
[ centre, 
purplish red. 
deep crimson, 
white with purple, 
orange, 
purple. 

yellow, red and brown, 
white. 

brown velvet orange, 
purplish red. 
deep crimson, 
f light straw with purple 
i centre- 
yellow, 
brisrht blue. 



while, yellow and brown. 

white and variegated. 

blue. 

red. 

3 r ellow. 

white. 

blue. 



MARCH. 


25 


+"54 Double Carnation Poppy, of sorts 


red, pink, &c. 


*55 Yellow Hawkweed or Crepis Barbata yellow and brown. 


*56 White Quilled Aster 


white. 


*57 Blue Bottle 


blue. 


58 Fire Colored and Crimson Balsams 


red. 


t59 Scorzonera 


deep yellow and brown, 


£60 Double White Fringed Poppy 


pure white. 


*61 Purple and Lilac expanded Aster 


purple and lilac. 


162 Scarlet Malope 


red, with purplish stripe, 


t63 Pot Marigold 


orange. 


164 White Catchfly 


white. 


too Lemon Balm 


blue, and fine scent. 


f66 African Rose 


every shade of red. 


"67 Beautiful Ketmia 


straw and purple. 


*68 Variegated Asters 


C white, with blue and red 




(. stripes. 


t69 Azure Blue Gilia 


fine blue. 


*70 Red Quilled Aster 


red. 


*45 African Hibiscus 


straw and deep purple. 


+ /1 feweet Basil, or Lavender > 


C white, with delightful 
> 




' scent. 


+72 Mexican Ageratum 


blue. 


+73 Double Purple Balsams 


purple. 


t66 African Rose 


every shade of red. 


*55 Yellow Hawkweed 


yellow and brown. 


160 White Fringed Poppy 


pure white. 


169 Azure Blue Gilia 


blue 



3 



26 



THE YOUNG FLORIST. 



Sixth Circle. 



*74 Convolvulus 3Iinor 


fine blue and vellow. 


i7r> Srarlpf Caralia 


scarlet. 


*76 Snails . 


vpIIow with curious norl 


1 4 1 L\\ ccl - i- 1 > a a LI III 


WillLc. S\> ccl aceillcu.. 


(O A 111 Ult! V^allU-V LU1L 


U LI f U 1 C . 


t79 Daisv Leaved Catchfly 


fine pink. 


*S0 Caterpillars 


vpllnw with nirimis r>nH 


i ox \> mie n<\eiiiiig rniiiruit! 


pure wbite. 


Dnnhlp Tiwarf* Larlrsnnr 


nnrrilp ■ninlr avin \T~rntP 

UUljJl". I'llllY Ci.ll U. V » 111 LC 


1 OO J-iUUci a V_/d.LLIlIiy 


red. 


704: xTllgllUlie L Lb 


yellowish 5 very fragrant. 


fOR Wliitp Candvtnfr 

1 OO 1 t line \_-a.iiu.> lull 




T>i£\ Pnrnla Tin mnrtnl r mtrci" 
■fOU 1 UlUlc AII11I1UI Lai X lUWcf 


line ligut purpie. 


O/ JLJ Call 111 U.1 ICll &CU 




*68 Horns 


yellow, curious pod. 


Tot; V enua j_i(JUK.lllg Uldaa 


blue . 


Tyu xveci Xidu kw eeu 


pale red. 


*Q1 H"pfT crph ocrc 


T~p|lnv\~ roirinnc nnn 


*74 Convolvulus Minor 


/' fn t~» o K n! d QriH roil An? 

t line uiue diiu. v enow 




\ centre. 


f75 fecarlet Lacalia 


fine scarlet. 


164 IVIignonette 


yellowish, very fragrant. 


f77 Sweet Alyssum 


white and fragrant. 


J9.2 Wing Leaved Schizanthus 


C M aril t Q n n narl" niirnlo nrin 
V IlgllL allU. U.a.1 1\ , U Uf Ulc a 11 U 




\ yellow. 


93 Sensitive Plant 


pink, very curious plant. 


*94 Coronilla 


beautiful leaf, yellow. 


95 Ice Plant 


curious plant, white. 



MARCH. 



t96 Nolana 

183 Lobel's Catchfly 

f84 Mignonette 

f81 White Evening Primrose 

*97 Forget-me-not 

t79 Daisy Leaved Catchfly 

}98 Thunbergia 

*99 Heart's Ease 
"87 Beautiful Clarkea 
tlOO Purple Jacobea 



27 



light and dark blue, 
red. 

yellowish, fragrant, 

white. 

blue. 

fine pink. 

• fine new plant — yellow 

and brown, 
purple, yellow and white, 
red. 
purple. 



, A few weeks passed on, during which time 
Henry was anxiously watching the conflict 
between winter and spring, now cheered with 
an almost summer day, then flying for shelter 
from the rude blasts of winter ; and Margaret 
would occasionally, when the weather was in- 
viting, take a run in the garden to look at the 
Tulips and Narcissuses, whose foliage was be- 
ginning to emerge from their frozen beds, to 



28 



THE YOUNG FLORIST. 



gather a few blossoms of Heart's Ease, and to 
hear the notes of the blue bird and sparrow, who 
seemed to proclaim the speedy approach of 
spring. 

Iu the meantime Henry prepared his num- 
ber sticks, which he did in the following man- 
ner. Having procured some refuse shingles, 
he split them into strips an inch wide, and 
sharpening the thin end, smoothed one side of 
the other end with his jack-knife ; and then 
with a small brush rubbed some white lead 
paint on the smooth side, and with his black 
lead pencil wrote the number upon the paint 
and laid them away to dry. — The number 
thus written will last as long as the stick. 

His flower seeds, which had been neatly done 
up in paper bags and wrote upon as they were 
gathered, were marked with the number set 
against their respective names in the catalogue 
given, and laid away against the time of need. 



MARCH. 



29 



He had provided himself with a line and made 
a neat reel to wind it on, also a pole ten feet 
long, with the feet marked upon it ; and saw 
that all his tools were in order and ready for 
use. 



APRIL. 



At length April was ushered in with a most 
charming day ; thousands of pigeons were seen 
in successive flocks on their rapid flight ; and 
the robin had taken possession of the upper- 
most branch of the elm, and was pouring forth 
his sweet music in delightful strains. 

Henry, impatient to commence his opera- 
tions, applied to his father for Daniel's assist- 
ance, which was readily granted. 

And now in company with Margaret, with 
exhilarating feelings, and bounding step, they 
proceeded to the place allotted them to lay out 
the long talked of garden ; the spot had been 



32 



THE YOUNG FLORIST. 



well manured and finely dug and raked smooth- 
ly a few days before. 

Margaret was to hold the plan while Henry 
transferred it to the ground, and Daniel was 
directed to dig some turf and cut it into strips 
three inches wide to make an edging to the 
walks, and also to cut from the woodland near 
by, nine birch poles and brush for the climbing 
plants. 

This he did not do without first giving it as 
his opinion, that the land had better be im- 
proved in raising potatoes as it was last year, 
than to spend so much time and labor about 
trifles, from which there was no profit. 

But the children knew what a rich harvest 
of pleasure they should reap, and therefore 
proceeded to the work, Daniel's opinion to the 
contrary notwithstanding. 

Henry first drove down a stake by the bunch 
of Kalmia, to which he fastened his line, then 



APRIL. 



33 



measuring fortv feet on the brook westward, it 
reached the Azalea, where he drove down 
another stake, and drawing his line tight made 
it fast to that also ; then measuring forty feet 
to the north at right angles as near as possible, 
he drove down the third stake and fastened 
the line as before. Then before any further 
progress was made, he squared this angle, which 
he did in this way. First measuring eight feet 
from the corner of the angle to the east, and 
driving down a stake ; then measuring six feet 
from the corner to the north and driving down 
another ; then laying his ten feet pole across 
from one of these stakes to the other, he found 
it did not reach, w hich proved it was not square ; 
he was therefore obliged to take up the stake 
and line at the north and bring it in, until it 
touched the ten feet pole, and then drove it 
down again. 

Having one corner square, there was no dif- 



34 



THE YOUNG FLORIST. 



ficultv in finding the place for the stake for the 
remaining corner. 

And now to get the centre of the square, a 
line was stretched from comer to corner diago- 
nally, and near the centre a mark with a stick 
made beside the line : then removing the line 
to the other corners, stretched it again, and 
where the line crossed the mark that had been 
made a stake was driven down, that being the 
centre. 

Having thus found the centre, he proceeded 
to strike out the circular beds and alleys. — Be- 
ginning at the stake in the centre, he measured 
three feet towards the outside of the square 
and. put down a stake : this was for the arbor, 
and in this circle he put down the birch poles ; 
then measuring two feet more, which made the 
outer edge of the inner circle ; then one and a 
half feet for an alley : then four feet for the 
outer edge of the second circular bed ; one and 
a half feet for another alley : then four feet 



APRIL. 



35 



more for the third circular bed, and lastly three 
feet for the wide alley ; and at the end of all 
these measures a stake was put down. 

Having fastened the line loosely upon the 
central stake, he commenced striking out the 
circles ; at the first stake, three feet from the 
centre, he tied into his line a sharp pointed 
stick ; holding the stick perpendicular, in his 
hand, and keeping the line tight, this first cir- 
cle was described on the ground. He proceed- 
ed in the same way with the others until all 
were completed. 

With much delight Margaret saw the outlines 
of the plan upon the ground, and having ex- 
pressed her approbation of her brother's skill, 
returned to the house by her flower beds, where 
the Crocuses were in full bloom, opening their 
petals of brilliant hues to the bright morning 
sun, and the Snow Drops so gracefully and 
modestly hanging their heads among the foliage. 
Some of the Narcissuses were beginning to 



36 



THE YOUNG FLORIST. 



show their flower buds — and the progress 
which the Tulips, Crown Imperials, and Hya- 
cinths had made, plainly told that a thousand 
new beauties w ere about to unfold themselves. 

Daniel having now returned, was directed to 
take a spade and throw the soil from the part 
marked out for the alleys on to the beds. Great 
care was observed not to get over the marks. 
Henry next laid out the alley from the out- 
side of the square to the arbor, two and a half 
feet wide. — The beds were now raked fine, the 
circles again described, arid the narrow strips of 
turf laid evenly round, and settled into the 
ground with the back of the spade, the edges 
trimmed, and the soil thrown upon the beds, and 
again raked. 

The next thing that Daniel did, was to 
wheel from the brook gravel for the alleys, 
which was rather a heavy job. — They w ere 
filled nearly as high as the turf, and made per- 
fectly level. 



APRIL. 



In the meantime Henry made the arbor, 
which he did by first setting down birch poles 
each side of the walk on the inner circle, then 
taking a stick two feet long, and measuring 
round the circle, he found there was room for 
seven more, according to the plan, which were 
put down that distance apart. 

Care had been taken to select such poles as 
were straight and of the same size. The tops, 
which had been left on, were brought over and 
woven or tied together. 

Henry now had the pleasure of seeing the 
plan completed, and although wearied with the 
toil of the day, stopped some time and viewed 
with much satisfaction the work of his hands. 

Margaret joined him, and was highly grati- 
fied with the appearance of the garden. — 
Their attention was now arrested by the robin, 
which had cheered them in the morning, and 
who had taken his stand upon the elm, and was 
chanting his evening song in thrilling notes. 



38 



THE YOUNG FLORIST. 



Henry. We listen with peculiar pleasure to 
his sweet and simple song, as it is associated 
with the opening season, verdant fields, and 
fragrant flowers. 

Margaret. Where do you suppose the robin 
has been through all the cold winter ? 

H. After they have reared several broods 
of young, and their food begins to fail, they 
begin to emigrate to the south, very leisurely, 
stopping wherever good living is to be obtained. 
Indeed they are. so tardy, that they are often 
overtaken by snow, which quickens their flight. 
A few stragglers are to be found in warm shel- 
tered places throughout the country in winter : 
but the general rendezvous is in the most south- 
ern states, where they perch at night in the 
thick cane brakes, and there become an easy 
prey to those w ho are disposed to kill them, 
which can be done with a stick. 

Their progress to the north again, is with the 



APRIL. 



opening spring ; and this straggler comes now, 
as it were with the welcome prelude to the 
general concert about to burst upon us from 
all the green woods and blooming orchards. 

M. The robins seem to be more social in 
their nature than most of the feathered song- 
sters, building their nests, and rearing their 
young, even in our gardens ; don't you remem- 
ber the nest of robins in ours last year ? 

H. Yes ; and I have no doubt, but this one 
on the elm is one of the same family, and 
means to confide in us for protection as he did 
last year. 

M. Well, I think he will be very safe so far 
as we can defend him ; you know that some 
boys are so unprincipled as to shoot them ; I 
am sorry there are such ; it proves they are 
thoughtless and destitute of fine feelings, and 
if all indulged themselves in such a cruel prac- 
tice, our fields and orchards would be dreary 
and sad, compared to what they now are. 



40 



THE YOUNG FLORIST. 



H. Not only should we be deprived of their 
animating songs, but worms and other insects 
would so increase, that the labors of the hus- 
bandman and gardener would almost be in 
vain, and the foliage of the trees would be so 
disfigured by the caterpillar, canker worm and 
other greedy insects, as to present a sad and 
melancholy aspect. 

M. I should not think the little birds could 
make so much difference in that respect. 

H. You would be astonished to know how 
many caterpillars and other insects are con- 
sumed by a single pair of sparrows and their 
young in one day. 

M. Do you suppose any person ever knew ? 

H. Yes, very nearly ; I recollect of reading 
once of a person, who took his seat near the 
nest of a sparrow, and watched them all day, 
and kept an account of all that were consumed. 
The old ones were busy picking young 



APRIL. 



41 



caterpillars from a neighboring tree, and con- 
veying them to their young, who greedily de- 
voured an astonishing number. — It is some 
time since I read the account, and I cannot say 
positively, but think the number consumed was 
something like 300 for the whole family, which 
would make more .than 2,000 in a week.* 

M. I should not think it possible. 

H. I was so impressed with the important 
assistance they render, that I never from that 
time threw a stone at one of the useful crea- 
tures, as some are wickedly and wantonly in 
the habit of doing. 

M. I suppose that birds generally are not 
so useful as the sparrow and robin ; for in 
talking with our school-mate, James, the other 
day for his wanton destruction of birds, he 
excused himself by saying he did not kill any 
but such as did damage. 



* See Note at the end of the work. 

4 



42 



THE YOUNG FLORIST. 



H, I think he ought to include himself in 
that list ; for they only take a little from his 
father's field, and repay for that little by their 
destruction of insects ; while he gets his whole 
living and makes no return, but to lounge 
about with his gun, with Jovder at his heels, to 
destroy what God has wisely given for our 
pleasure and interest. 

M, James is not so much to blame as his 
father, who is to be pitied : and although he 
has enough of the good things of this world* is 
destitute of the finer feelings, and rather laugh- 
ed at our father, for spending so much time in 
the garden with dear mamma and ourselves, 
and keeping us all the time at his heels, as he 
expressed it, when papa had been telling him 
of the advantages of a kitchen and flower gar- 
den, as a place of discipline, instruction and 
amusement for his children. — You know they 
are destitute of a garden, and James has no- 
thing to do when out of school but hunt and fish. 



APRIL. 



43 



And as for fruit, you know they hare nothing 
but crab apples which are fit only for cider. 

H. You mistake, dear sister, they have a 
notable garden. 

M. Indeed, I never saw it ; do describe it. 

H. I was sent over one day of an errand, 
and while I was there it was discovered that 
the hogs were in the garden ; which you know 
we should consider a great calamity. 

M. Oh, dreadful. 

H. James and I were sent to drive them 
out, and in so doing I had a chance to see it for 
the first time. — The garden was situated 
directly back of the pig-stye, in the centre of 
a patch of something like half an acre of 
potatoes of most luxuriant growth, whose tan- 
gled tops were finely intermingled with aspir- 
ing pigweeds, and Roman Wormwood, occa- 
sionally garnished with a huge Sunflower full 
ten feet high, and flowers a foot in diameter* 



44 



THE YOUNG FLORIST. 



standing like sentinels to watch their pre- 
cious charge. It was about three rods square. 
In one corner I saw a clump of Marigolds, 
Four o'Clock, Prince's Feather, and a few r 
other common annuals, huddled together, 
striving to live, as well as their neighbors, the 
pigweeds. In a bed there was a small quan- 
tity of beets, carrots, &c, that looked as if 
they were quite forgotten. A portion was oc- 
cupied by a few hills of corn and beans ; and 
cucumbers, squashes and melons were so 
thickly located in the remainder, that I won- 
dered how it was possible to gather the fruit, 
if there should happen to be any, without des- 
troying the vines. 

M. You give a sad account of it. I hope 
we shall be able to keep ours in better taste. 

H. I expressed my surprise to James, at 
the appearance of the garden — who replied, 
that his father had not much taste for a garden 



APRIL. 



45 



and thought it was foolish to spend as mifbh 
time as some of his neighbors did in it : but I 
have wandered from the subject of birds. I 
know of but few birds, although they may be 
troublesome at times, but are upon the whole 
a great benefit ; and a person is without excuse 
who wantonly destroys them. 

M. We are staying out late ; let us go 
to the house. Do notice, how merrily the 
frogs sing ; they appear to partake of the gen- 
eral happiness, with which all animated nature 
seems to be filled. Where do you suppose 
they live in the winter ? - 

H. They bury themselves in the mud at 
the bottom of the water and remain in a tor- 
pid state — as do also the turtles and toads. 

M. Now the garden is ready — when shall 
you begin to sow seeds ? 

H. If the weather is pleasant, I will sow 
some of the most hardy tomorrow. J conclude 



46 



THE YOUNG FLORIST. 



yoii have finished your plan for the disposition 
of the perennials, in fanciful groups as I pro- 
posed. 

M. Yes, I have. Shall you move the bul- 
bous roots this spring ? 

H. No. That cannot be done without 
injury or total destruction at this season of the 
year, and wherever they have been introduced 
in your plan, must be omitted until the proper 
season of planting, which is the autumn. 

The next day, Henry commenced the sow- 
ing of the most hardy annuals, such as are 
marked with a star in the catalogue. 

With a stick two and a half feet long, the 
beds were spaced off one foot from the edge ? 
and the number sticks put down, as laid out in 
the plan. Then round the stick of such as 
were to be sown, a circle was made one and a 
half feet in diameter, in which the seeds were 
sown. Ho had received some general instruc- 



APRIL. 



47 



tions for sowing seeds from a friend, which 
were these : — For very fine seeds, the earth 
should be sprinkled very lightly and finely on^ 
and not covered more than a quarter of an 
inch deep, and pressed down hard with a 
trowel or something of the kind. Larger 
seeds covered in proportion to their size ; and 
those as large as a pea, to the depth of an inch 
or more. Very delicate seeds will require 
some protection from the mid-day sun, as it is 
apt to burn them up when they first appear, — 
and the ground must be kept moderately moist, 
if the weather should be dry. Damp meadow 
moss will do very well to lay over the plants 
in the middle of the day. Great care must be 
taken to keep the young plants free from weeds. 

Some may think it a difficult thing to dis- 
tinguish so many different kinds of plants from 
the weeds, when they first make their appear- 
ance. The w r ay Henry did, was first to become 



48 



THE YOUNG FLORIST. 



acquainted with the weeds which infested the 
garden ; and then, when examining his beds 
for the appearance of plants, he knew at once 
what might be pulled up with safety. 

The seed being sown in circles round the 
stick, he knew exactly where to look, to find 
the plants, and if any appeared in or near the 
circle that was new to him, naturally conclu- 
ded that it was the plant sown. 

I shall not now describe the different groups 
of perennials, but will do it as they come into 
bloom. The work of transplanting them was 
all done in the course of the month ; the early 
flow r ering kinds in the first part of it. 

The roses and other shrubs were all moved 
as soon as possible, and planted on the outside 
of the square. The tops of the rose bushes 
should be cut off, which causes them to bloom 
stronger. Perennial and biennial seeds should 
be sown in a bed by themselves, and moved to 



APRIL. 



49 



the flower garden, when of a proper size. As 
a general rule, the seeds should be rolled into 
the ground with a roller, or pressed in with a 
board, as some kinds will not otherwise vege- 
tate ; and even then will be destroyed by ex- 
posure to a scorching sun, unless attended to 
every day, until they have established them- 
selves. 

A child may not know the meaning of an- 
nuals, perennials, or biennials. 

Annuals are such as are sown in the Spring, 
flower, ripen seed, and die in the fall, as the 
Marigold, Four o'Clock, Cucumber, &c. 

Biennials are sown one year, and flower 
the next, produce seed and die, as the Canter- 
bury Bell, Beet and Carrot. 

Perennials are sown one year, and flower 
the next in most cases ; but sometimes not 
until the third, or even fourth year. After 
this, they continue to flower year after year, 



50 



THE YOUNG FLORIST. 



Such as die down to the ground every fall, 
and spring from the root next season, are 
called herbaceous, as the Columbine, Sweet 
William, Asparagus, &c. Those that do not 
die to the ground, and form woody stems, 
are called woody, as the Rose, Currant, and 
Lilac. 

Roots are of different kinds, as the branch- 
ing, fibrous, bulbous, tuberous, and spindle. 
Branching roots are like the branches of trees, 
as the roots of all trees. Fibrous roots are 
composed of thread-like fibres, as the roots of 
all grasses, Sweet William, &c. Tuberous 
are fleshy, like the Potato, Pseony, Dahlia. 
Bulbous roots are of different kinds ; as solid, 
like the Turnip and Crocus ; coated, like the 
Onion and Hyacinth ; and scaly, like the 
Lily ; spindle, like the Carrot. 

Indigenous plants are such as are natives of 
our own land. Exotics are those introduced 
from foreign countries. 



APRIL. 



51 



The perennials for the first part of April were 
red and yellow Crown Imperial, different va- 
rieties of the Crocus, Snow Drop, Persian Iris, 
Heart's Ease, exotics ; and Liverwort and 
Blood Root, indigenous ; and for the latter 
part of the month, Hyacinth of different kinds, 
Narcissus, Venus's Navel Wort and Corydalis, 
exotic ; and Wild Anemone, and Violets, from 
the woods. About the middle of the month, 
Henry and his sister were in the garden, be- 
fore school, sowing the seeds with this mark, f« 
There had been much unpleasant weather 
the past fortnight, cold storms of rain and 
even snow, — but they found that some of the 
seeds that had been sown had begun to vege- 
tate. It was necessary to rake the ground a 
little before sowing, as it had become hard on 
the surface by the frequent rains. While thus 
engaged, they were startled by an immense 
flock of red winged black-birds, sweeping sud- 



52 



THE YOUNG FLORIST. 



deniy over their heads, with a noise like a 
tempest, which after a few circuitous, whirl- 
ing flights, showing their black dress, orna- 
mented by the vermilion red of their wings 
to the best advantage, settled upon a large red 
maple below the garden in the meadow. The 
tree itself, an object of admiration, at this sea- 
son of the year, covered with its showy scarlet 
flowers, was beheld with silent astonishment 
as its branches literally bent with its noisy 
visitors clothed in their funereal plumage, con- 
trasting elegantly with the flowers of the tree. 
They commenced such a concert of discord 
and harmony, that it might be heard for more 
than a mile ; each performer appearing to exert 
himself to be heard above the rest. After 
continuing their clamorous concert for a few 
minutes, as if by common consent, they sud- 
denly commenced their social, chattering 
flight to a distant part of the meadow. 



APRIL. 



53 



Margaret now broke silence, which had 
only been interrupted by exclamations of won- 
der and surprise, and observed that the black- 
bird was one that James had proscribed, as 
worthy of death, whenever he could get a good 
shot. 

Henry. They arej to be sure, troublesome 
to the farmer in autumn, when their flocks, 
increased by their offspring, almost darken the 
air by their numbers, as they drive like a fu- 
rious tempest over the tempting cornfield. 
Yet it is not generally considered or perhaps 
known, that the injury, however great it may 
be, is much more than overbalanced, by the im- 
mense number of insects and their larvae which 
they destroy as their principal food, and which 
are of the most injurious kinds to the farmer. 

It is remarked by Kalm, a Swedish traveller 
in this country, and whose name Linnaeus 
gave to the beautiful Kalmia that adorns our 



54 



THE YOUNG FLORIST. 



garden, that in 1749, a bounty of three pence 
per dozen was offered for these birds, by 
government, which caused a great destruction 
among them. The consequence was, that the 
Northern States experienced a complete loss 
of the grass and grain crops, which were now 
destroyed by insects. 

Margaret. It seems to me then that the 
farmer, who would destroy these birds because 
they take only what is their lawful wages for 
the sake of adding a little more to his store, is 
like the covetous dog in the fable — who when 
crossing the brook with a piece of meat in his 
mouth, and thinking that his shadow was anoth- 
er dog with a piece of meat, caught at it, and 
in so doing lost what he had. — Will you tell 
me where these birds reside in the winter ? 

Henry. Early in November they leave the 
Northern States, with the exception of a few 
who linger on the sea coast or the Middle 



APRIL. 



55 



States, for the more southern part of the Union, 
where they stay until the return of spring ; 
and then wing their way to the north, reliev- 
ing the fatigue of their long passage by their 
friendly gossip. They reach this part of the 
country from the first of March to the middla 
of April, according to. the season. 

M* Do see how these plants of Heart's 
Ease flourish ; it is but a few days since you 
moved them, what a variety there is already. 

H. I was careful in moving them, and the 
early flowering perennials, as well as the bien- 
nials, to take up a large portion of earth with 
them that the bloom might not be checked. 
Such as are more tardy, can be moved with 
more certainty of success, even if they are di- 
vided or cut to pieces, if necessary to increase 
the kind. But as a general thing the roots 
should not be much disturbed, to insure a 
strong bloom, when moved in the spring* 



56 



THE YOUNG FLORIST. 



M. Look, 'I have gathered twelve varieties 
of the Heart's Ease, or Lady's Delight for 
mother, and also some flowers of the Xavel 
Wort ; what a neat little azure blue flower it 
is, — what is its botanical name ? 
* H. It is called Omphaloides verna, and is 
very common in the cottage gardens in Eng- 
land and would be here, if more generally 
known. Here are some flowers of the Cory- 
dalis to add to your nosegay, with its singular 
shaped, pendulous pink flowers. This will be 
in bloom a number of months. 

M. The Violets and Liverwort are be- 
ginning to show their pretty flowers. They 
are the emblems of humility, and overlooked 
because they are to be seen in every pasture 
and wood, but I like them none the less on 
that .account. 

H. We will take up some more, when it 
will not interfere with our studies. Do notice 



APRIL. 



57 



the flowers of the Blood Root, what a live- 
ly, brilliant white. It has a fleshy tuberous 
root, which, upon being wounded, discharges 
a blood colored fluid, with which the Indians 
stain themselves. 

M. Here is the Wild Anemone, which is so 
fond of the shade ; I fear it will not succeed 
well here. It does not make much show, but 
its solitary, bell shaped flower, white, and ex- 
ternally red or purplish, looks very modest, as 
it rises from its low three leaved stem. 

H. Now we have looked at our plants here, 
we will take a look at our bulbous roots before 
school. 

M. As we go, will you get me a branch of 
the willow on the brook, which I see is in 
bloom. 

H. Here it is ; but in getting it I disturbed 
a company of the song sparrow, or as it is gen- 
erally called, the ground bird* 
5 



58 



THE YOUNG FLORIST. 



M. Is it the same that sings so sweetly 
in the morning ? 

H. It is, and arrives about the time of the 
blue bird. 

M. Is the chirping bird a sparrow ? 

H. Yes. But he is a different species from 
the song sparrow, who is rather more retiring 
than the chirp bird, and builds his nest on the 
ground. The chirping sparrow builds his nest 
on low trees, in the orchard, or by some fre- 
quented walk, on a shrub. You know there 
has been a nest of them in our front yard every 
year, either in the Lilac or Rose bush, and last 
year they took possession of the Honeysuckle 
that runs up the pillars of the piazza. His 
song is very indifferent, being only a complain- 
ing chirp. There are several other kinds of 
sparrows, described by Mr Nuttall in his book 
of Ornithology, which you will find a very in- 
teresting work. 



APRIL. 



59 



M. I should like to read the book very well. 
See how grand our Crown Imperials look ; they 
are at least a yard high : how rapidly they have 
grown ; where is its native place ? 

H. It is a native of Persia. I w T ill show 
you the nectary of the flower, as it is called ; it 
is quite a curiosity. You will observe at the 
bottom of each petal a leaf, a white glandu- 
lar cavity, with a drop of limpid juice standing 
in it. 

M. O, I see, they look like pearls. The 
flowers hang their heads in such a way, that a 
person would not notice this beauty unless they 
paid particular attention, or raised the bells a 
little ; how gracefully the luxuriant stem, adorn- 
ed with broad shining green leaves, is crowned 
with its whorl of pendulous flowers. 

H. There is another wonder about this 
plant ; the flower stems, that now hang down, 
after the leaves or petals fall, turn and become 



60 



THE YOUNG FLORIST. 



upright, as the seed ripens- Here we have 
the yellow and red, — but there are many 
more varieties cultivated ; among the hand- 
somest, is the gold and silver striped leaved. 

M. The Crocuses are beginning already 
to fade, I think they are a great ornament to 
the garden, as they come into flower as 
soon as the snow is off. 

H. It is said to be a native of Swit- 
zerland, and the flow er in a wild state is white 
with a purple base, — and by cultivation all 
the numerous varieties have been obtained. 
The Hyacinths are beginning to show their 
colors. — Here is a Persian Iris. 

M. How sweet it smells — and what a 
delicate blue, with violet spots. The flower 
has no leaves* 

H. The flowers first make their appearance 
and afterwards the leaves. The Narcissus, as 
well as everything else, is in rapid progress* 



APRIL. 



61 



There is the curious Hoop Petticoat Xarcissus ; 
the long nectary, I suppose, gives it the 
name. Take it, for we must go to school. 



MAY. 



MAY DAY. 

Henry. Today is a holiday and, we have 
liberty to take a walk, and collect wild 
flowers, or amuse ourselves in the garden, as 
we please. 

Margaret. There is such a heavy dew, we 
cannot go until the grass is dry, so let us go 
into the garden and see how it flourishes. 

H. Have you noticed the swallows and 
martins ? 

M. Yes, I saw the martins yesterday, they 
came to the boxes : the blue birds had taken 
possession and claimed them. A battle fol- 
lowed ; the martins were strongest, and drove 
off the intruders. 



64 



THE YOUNG FLORIST. 



H. The martin is a beautiful bird, and 
seems happy to place himself under the pro- 
tection of man, Secure in his asylum for him- 
self and family, he twitters out his gratitude, 
and is everywhere received with welcome. — 
When they appear we may venture to sow our 
half hardy annuals. But we will first look at 
our Hvacinths and Narcissuses, which are now 
in perfection. 

M. O. they do look sweetly : here is one 
that wants tying up. the bells are so heavv 
that it lies on the ground : it is a delicate pink. 

H. That the Dutch call Groot Voorst, 
which means my good wife : that dark purple 
with the petals tipped with green, is called In- 
dian Crown. The name of the splendid single 
red is Henrietta, and the pure white one. Py- 
renne. 

M. There is one light, and another dark 
blue, and another that is straw color, and oth- 



MAY. 



65 



ers that are white with red and purple eyes. 
What a wonderful variety ; here are twelve 
Hyacinths, and no two of them are alike. 

H. There is indeed a variety to us ; but to 
a florist, who has seen hundreds of varieties in 
the highest perfection, our collection would 
appear rather indifferent. 

M. Is it possible that there are so many 
varieties ? 

H. I have read that more than a thousand 
varieties are cultivated in Holland, as an arti- 
cle of commerce at the present time, with each 
a name. When the rage for Hyacinths was at 
its height, about a hundred years ago, there was 
double that number under cultivation, differing 
in some small degree from each other, and 
some of them highly prized. As much as 
ten thousand dollars has been known to 
be given for a single root, and much more 
than that has been offered and refused. Since 



66 



THE YOUNG FLORIST. 



that time the taste for this and other bulbous 
roots has declined, and at this time the highest 
price in the Dutch catalogue is sixty guilders or 
about twentyfive dollars. The common price 
for a mixture of good sorts is from twentyfive 
cents to one dollar a root, and multitudes of 
the poorer sorts are annually sold at auction for 
a trifle. 

M. I am astonished at your account of 
the Hyacinth, its numerous varieties, and value. 
It does not seem possible to me. that any per- 
son could be so foolish as to give such an enor- 
mous price for a single root, beautiful and 
fragrant as it is. How long has this superb 
flower been cultivated ? 

H. It is not certainly known : but it is sup- 
posed to have been introduced by the Dutch in 
the beginning of the sixteenth century, soon 
after the revival of commerce in the west of 
Europe, when the merchants of Holland traded 



MAY. 



67 



to the eastern shores of the Mediterranean, and 
the Archipelago. It is a native of the East, and 
is abundant about Aleppo and Bagdad, and is 
blue in its wild state. 

M. The Narcissus cannot be compared with 
the Hyacinth. Yet I think the Incomparable 
very fine ; the little bright yellow petals, so 
handsomely disposed between the large white 
ones, make a handsome contrast, and I suppose 
give it the common name of butter and eggs. 
The smell is not disagreeable to me, al- 
though some dislike it. 

H. It is said that the smell has a danger- 
ous effect upon the nerves. The name is from 
a Greek word signifying stupor. For this rea- 
son the Narcissus was consecrated to the furies, 
who by means of it, were said to stupify those 
whom they wished to punish. 

M. Then I am sure I will smell of it no 
more, for I have no desire to come under their 



68 



THE YOUNG FLORIST. 



influence, and I want all my senses to enjoy 
this fine day. 

//. The early Tulip looks lively, but much 
inferior to the stately late ones, which now only 
show their green buds. VV e will go and sow T 
our seeds, and make some observations in our 
new garden, and then, if this east wind does 
not cheat us out of our pleasant day, (for I per- 
ceive it has this moment changed into that 
quarter,) we will see what we can find to 
amuse us in the fields and woods. , 

The seeds sown today are those in the cat- 
alogue with this mark, J. (See pages 22 — 27.J 

The perennials in bloom, were Violets of 
different kinds, among which, the double sweet 
scented arrested their attention, before they 
reached the spot ; the flowers of this sort are 
used by chemists to detect an acid or an alkali. 

The Dwarf Phlox, the pink and the white 5 
were beginning to show their lively flowers, 



MAY. 



69 



and also the Dwarf Iris. The flowers design- 
ed for the first part of this month, were the Gol- 
den Alyssum, Early Tulip, Narcissus and Jon- 
quille. The Scarlet Columbine, including the 
numerous golden varieties, Honesty, Daisy leav- 
ed Catchflv, and Solomon's Seal, with the noble 
Late Tulip and White sweet scented Narcissus, 
for the latter part of the month. They had 
also a line root of Periwinkle in bloom. Marga- 
ret was admiring the beauty of the flowers and 
foliage, when she was startled by a toad, the 
first she had seen. She said, O, Henry, here is 
your old friend, the toad ; I don't know how it 
is, but I never can be reconciled to his ugly 
looks : and still you were so kind, as to make a 
shelter for him from the sun last year, 

Henry. Although he is not a beauty, I 
think he is not to be despised ; he does his 
part in exterminating the enemies of the gar- 
dener, and as he is fond of a cool place, sheltered 



70 



THE YOUNG FLORIST. 



from the scorching noon day sun, 1 was 
pleased to lay boards upon stones, or bricks, 
that he might have a comfortable retreat. 

M. I know a man, who offered the boys 
in his neighborhood, a certain price per hun- 
dred, for all the toads they would bring, to put 
in his garden ; but it is an article, I think, I 
should not like to deal in. 

II I have been reading, in White's Natural 
History of Selborne, of some ladies, who took a 
fancy to a toad, which they nourished, summer 
after summer, for many years, until he grew 
to a monstrous size. 

M. They must have had a singular taste. 
H. The reptile used to come forth every 
evening from a hole under the garden steps ; 
and was taken up, after supper, on the table 
to be fed. But at last a tame raven espying 
him, as he put forth his head, gave him such a 
severe stroke with his horny beak, as to put 



MAY. 



71 



out one eye. After this accident, the creature 
languished for some time and died. 

M. It is the last creature I should think 
of taming. Brother, do you perceive how cold 
it grows ? I must retire to the house, and shall 
be glad to shut myself up in a warm room, 
rather than take the walk. 

H. There is a wonderful change in the 
weather, which is not very uncommon, in this 
changeable month ; for some of the most de- 
lightful days terminate the most uncomfortably. 
I perceive we shall be compelled to find our 
pleasures, the remainder of the day, in the 
house, in conversation and books, rather than 
in the fields as we contemplated. I w T ill take 
the opportunity to look over your plants in the 
sitting-room, as some of them want attending 
to. 

Having returned to the house, and while 
Margaret was engaged with her book, Henry 



72 



THE YOUNG FLORIST. 



was busy looking over the pots of flowers. — 
Among them was a pot of Chinese Primroses, 
with which he was so much 
pleased, that he thought he 
would make a drawing of 
it. After an hour's close 
application, he presented 
the work to his sister, who 
was much pleased with it, 
and wished him to give a 
history of the plant. 

Henry said, that the botanical name Primula 
was derived from the word primus, the first 
to flower. The delicate blossoms of many of 
the species appear in their native regions, 
when ail nature is otherwise inert* The 
genus includes a great variety of beautiful 
dwarf alpine plants, among which are the Eng- 
lish Primrose, Cowslip, Polyanthus and Au- 
ricula ; some of which will stand our winters, 




may* 



73 



if placed the north side of a fence or wall, but 
are more liable to be destroyed by our powerful 
summer sun. The Chinese Primrose is more 
delicate, and is, strictly speaking, a green house 
or parlor plant. It was introduced from 
China in 1820, and is now a popular ornament 
to both the green house and parlor. This 
one is pure white, another variety is purple. 

Henry went out and looked at the ther- 
mometer, and was astonished to find, that the 
mercury had fallen from 70 to 35 degrees, 
in the course of three hours. A cold 
storm followed, which prevented them from 
attending much to the garden. Pleasant days 
succeeded, and all their leisure hours were 
spent in admiring the thousand opening beau- 
ties before them. Among other objects that 
attracted their attention, was the American 
Cowslip, which lined the margin of the mean- 
dering brook, as far as the eye could see, 
6 



74 



THE YOUNG FLORIST. 



giving a brilliant yellow shade to the bright 
green verdure of the meadow. Large masses 
of the Rodora, beginning to unfold their rich 
purple flowers in fine contrast with the Cow- 
slip, ornamented the banks of the brook. 

Some new bird with ever varying note, was 
to be seen, or some flower bursting into life 
and beauty, on each returning day. By the 
tenth of the month, the leaves of the oak 
" were as big as a squirrel's ear, 5 ' which 
according to the Indian proverb is the proper 
time to plant corn. Henry took the hint, and 
planted the remainder of his tender annuals. 
A few Dahlias, which he had given him, were 
planted at this time, in the quarter marked S. 
He found too, that the weeds began to prevail, 
and as he considered that the beauty of a 
garden consisted much in neatness, and re- 
membering James' garden, he set himself to 
work in earnest in their extermination. 



MAY. 



75 



The 15th was a lovely day, over which 
Flora seemed to preside, and as there was no 
school, it was agreed, they would take a 
ramble. 

In passing through the orchard, which was 
in full bloom, and whose fragrance filled the 
air, they observed the bees swarming over the 
trees collecting their honeyed sweets, and other 
insects of all descriptions revelling in the pro- 
fusion before them. Suddenly the golden 
robin with his fiery plumage, appeared to their 
view, full of life and activity ; now darting 
into concealment among the rich clusters of 
flowers, then again appearing, uttering his lively 
note. How lovely, exclaimed Margaret ; what 
can he be so busy about ? 

Henry. If you will but pay particular atten- 
tion, you will see that he is feeding upon the 
insects we have noticed ; his nimble movements 
are necessary, or his active prey will evade his 



76 



THE YOUNG FLORIST, 



vigilance. See, he seems occasionally to 
take a sip with the bees, by way of variety. 

Margaret. How much there is this morning 
to amuse us, and lead our minds up to Him, 
who has filled the earth with his goodness, and 
who has for our gratification, given us the 
varied and fragrant flower, the beautiful bird 
with his gay plumage and exhilarating notes, 
and all the pleasant scenery before us. 

H. But there are thousands who have eyes 
to see, and ears to hear, and yet pass the 
beauties of creation unnoticed, and see not 
God in his lovely works, and instead of going 
on their way rejoicing, are filled with misery 
and complaint, and go mourning and grumbling 
to their graves. Our dear father says, this is 
in a great measure owing to a deficiency of 
early education; their minds not having been 
directed when young, to admire the works of 
the Most High. 



MAY. 



77 



M. I never shall forget the instruction our 
father gave me when I could hardly speak. I 
was with him in the garden, admiring a bed 
of splendid Tulips ; their gaudy colors attracted 
my attention, and I wondered who it was that 
could have given them their rich shades. I 
innocently said, " Father, who painted the 
Tulips? 55 He said, " My dear, it is God; 55 
and then went on to tell how he had made all 
things. His conversation so raised my curios- 
ity, that I was incessantly asking him questions 
about the great God. 

H. Let us never despise those who cannot 
see the beauties we see. For while w r e have 
had kind and tender parents, who took the 
advantage of every incident and every thing to 
enlighten and amuse us, — they have been 
neglected by parents, who perhaps, had their 
perceptions blunted by the too free use of the 
polluting and degrading bottle. 



78 



THE YOUNG FLORIST. 



M. Now men are coming to their sober 
senses, and looking with disgust upon the in- 
toxicating cup, and discountenancing those 
who use, or traffic in the abominable thing, 
may we not hope the next generation will be 
more enlightened and happy ? 

H. There is no doubt of it Here is 

a Geranium. 

M. A Geranium ? 

H. Yes ; it is the only indigenous species 
that has any claims to beauty. It is com- 
monly called Crane's Bill ; the petals are pale 
purple. Now we will keep along by the side 
of the hedge in the open field. 

M. The men are busy in planting. Hark ! 
I hear a cat in the bushes. 

U. You are mistaken, it is a bird ; do you 
see it hopping from bush to bush ? how shy he 
looks, and into what queer attitudes he sud- 
denly throws himself, constantly upon the 
move. 



MAY. 



79 



M. His plumage is a dark slate color. 

H. It is the Cat bird ; when alarmed, he 
makes that curious noise, something like the 
mewing of the cat. 

M. It is a singular cry ; but he has changed 
his note. He can sing, if he has a mind ; his 
notes are now pleasant, but the poor bird 
sings as though he was almost choked with 
grief. 

H. Their songs are said to be variable, 
some being much finer singers than others 

M. O, these rocks are covered with the 
Scarlet Columbine, growing from the clefts 
and crevices. 

H. And in company with them is the Sax- 
afrage, with its white, sweet scented flowers. 

M. Hark, brother ! do you hear the song 
of that bird ? it exceeds anything we have 
heard. He makes the thickets ring with his 
melodious and varied notes. 



80 



THE YOUNG FLORIST. 



Let us set down on the rocks and 
listen ; it is the Red Thrasher, by some called 
the Planting bird, but his proper name is the 
Thrush ; he seems to give grateful utterance 
of praise to the beneficent Benefactor, for the 
profusion and beauty by which he is surrounded. 

M. Now his song ceases, and there he 
goes ; how he spreads his full tail as he flies. 

J?, There goes his mate after him, their 
plumage is a kind of cinnamon color. See, 
they have settled upon that large oak. Hush, 
he has commenced his song again. 

M. How touching his notes, — how T cheer- 
ing it must be to the farmers in the field 
yonder, who are so busily planting Cast- 
ing their eye toward the woods, near by, they 
observed the edges of it highly ornamented 
with small trees completely covered with 
flowers of a pure white ; — they immediately 
directed their steps to them, and found it was 



MAY. 



81 



the Shad Blossom or Wild Pear. An abun- 
dance of the Choke Cherry Was also in bloom, 
with its racemes of white and yellow flowers. 

Having gathered some of each, they struck 
into the thick and luxuriant wood, by a 
winding pathway, and admired the various 
shades of the tender leaves. The Peewink, 
or ground Robin, was to be seen, hopping un- 
der the thick under brush, diligently seeking 
his food, Littering forth his monotonous notes ; 
while the lofty trees were vocal with a multi- 
tude of birds unknown to them. They stopped 
to admire, and gather some of the flowers of 
the Cornus Florida, which were gracefully in- 
termingled with the foliage of a thick Hem- 
lock. Henrv was obliged to climb the tree, 
as they were out of reach. Soon they came 
into the meadow, which was alive with the 
Bob-o-link and other birds. Henry told his 
sister what Mr Nuttall says, in his Ornitholo- 



82 



THE YOUNG FLORIST. 



gy, that the boys of this part of New England, 
make him spout among other things, the 
following ludicrous dunning phrase, as he 
rises and hovers on the wing near his mate : 
" Boh-o-link, Bob-o-link, Tom Denny, Tom 
Denny, — Come pay me the two and sixpence 
you've owed more than a year and a half 
ago ! — Hshe, Hshe, Hshe, Hsh, Hsh, Hshe, 
modestly diving at the same instant down into 
the grass as if to avoid altercation." 

Margaret observed, as one flew immediately 
over their heads, that he did seem to say so, 
and thought that it was not wonderful that he 
should feel ashamed of himself, after such an 
impudent dun, and hide in the grass. Their 
walk was continued on a causeway over the 
meadow. As they passed the bridge over the 
brook, they disturbed a Peewee, who was 
building a nest under it, and whose well known 
pleasant notes, had been heard amid the 



MAY. 



83 



agreeable jargon of innumerable bob-o-links 
and black birds, that seemed to revel in the 
broad green meadows. 

As ther reached the hill, thev found the 
ground carpeted with Violets, and the Dwarf 
Ranunculus, with its brilliant yellow flowers, 
and under the shade of the handsome floweiing 
Thorn and other shrubs, the Bell Wort and 
Wild Anemone flourished. 

Arrived at the top of the hill, they sat down 
under the shade of a beautiful clump of trees, 
from whence there was a fine view of the sur- 
rounding country, which seemed like a bloom- 
ing paradise. 

While viewing the delightful scenery, they 
discovered a Fish Hawk sailing majestically 
over the meadow below, in wide circles, mov- 
ing with such apparent ease, that it seemed as 
though it was done without any exertion of 
his long curving wing. Suddenly he stopped 



84 



THE YOUNG FLORIST. 



his course, and for an instant flapped his wings, 
and then rapidly descended for his prey, in 
the brook below. As he arose, the little birds 
which seemed to have been much alarmed at 
the presence of the intruder, encouraged by 
the bold King bird, commenced, with loud 
cries, a general attack upon him. Tormented 
by the King bird, who flying above him, 
sorely harassed him, he made a precipitate 
retreat, followed by all the noisy inhabitants of 
the meadow, who seemed to triumph in his 
defeat, until he was fairly escorted to his own 
woody premises. 

Having indulged themselves in beholding 
the beautiful landscape below, they returned 
home by another route, richly laden with the 
flowers of May. 

About the 20th, the Tulips were in perfec- 
tion, and as they were admiring their beauty, 
Margaret requested her brother to give a his- 
tory of it. 



MAY. 



85 



Henry. The Tulip is a native of the Levant, 
and has been in cultivation nearly three hun- 
dred years, and may be called the king of 
florists' flowers, as no flower can claim equal- 
ity with it, in the brilliancy of its endless com- 
binations of all colors and shades. 

It appears to have been brought to Europe 
from Persia, by way of Constantinople, in 
1559; and in a century afterwards, to have 
become an object of considerable trade in the 
Netherlands, and a sort of mania among the 
growers, who bought and sold single bulbs, at 
prices amounting to three thousand dollars each, 
and upwards ; in those days an immense sum. 
The taste for Tulips in England was at its 
greatest height about the end of the seven- 
teenth and beginning of the eighteenth century. 
It afterwards declined, and gave way to a 
taste for rare plants from foreign countries. 

The Tulip, however, is still extensively cul~ 



36 



THE YOUNG FLORIST. 



tivated in Holland, from which all Europe and 
America is still supplied with bulbs, and also 
to a considerable extent in England. 

The varieties of the Tulip are endless. — 
There are a great many of the double sorts, 
which are fine, also of the Parrot Tulips, 
which have notched petals and striped or di- 
versified with green, and also of the early flow- 
ering varieties ; but the most grand of all are the 
late flowering varieties, which are without 
ejld. As many as a thousand varieties are cul- 
tivated with names. 

Margaret. It is no wonder it was called a 
mania, for those who paid such prices must 
have been mad. 

H. It degenerated into a mere gambling 
business, and was rightly named " Tulipo- 
mania. " The Tulip is supposed by some to 
be " the lily of the field," referred to in 
Christ's Sermon on the mount. 



MAY. 



87 



The whip-poor-will was first heard this 
evening and listened to with pleasure. 

Henry. I hav e heard it said by some super- 
stitious persons, that whatever we wished 
when we first heard the whip-poor-will, would 
come to pass — but I think it very foolish and 
wicked, to pay attention to such nonsensical 
notions. 

M* It will do no hurt to wish that we may 
become better. • 

H. Nor any good, unless we strive to be- 
came so, as w r ell as wish. 

Many shrubs were now in flower, as the Li- 
lac which had begun to fade, the Snow Ball, 
and the herbaceous plants mentioned for the 
last of May* ; and by the last of the month 
others not enumerated had begun to show 
their flowers. Particular attention was paid 
to keep the garden free from weeds — and to 
stir the earth round the perennials. 

* See pages 22—27. 



JUNE. 



Margaret. This is the month for Roses and 
many other beautiful plants, 

Henry. Here is a fine Cinnamon Rose ; it 
is very fragrant and fresh with the morning 
dew. 

M. Thank you, brother. It is but a week 
since I picked the first opening bud, and now 
I perceive the bush is full of them. 

H. It is the earliest hardy rose we have* 
and is the forerunner of a superb family, 
which not only please the eye with their beauty, 
but regale us with their unrivalled fragrance. 

M. If the Tulip is king, 1 will crown the 
7 



90 



THE YOUNG FLORIST. 



Rose, the queen of flowers. The Rose, 1 be- 
lieve is common to all countries. 

H. Yes, and is known to every body at 
first sight, and has been a favorite flower from 
time immemorial among all civilized nations. 

M. Are there as many varieties of the 
Rose as of the Tulip or Hyacinth ? 

H. Yes ; the shrub varies in size from one 
foot to six or eight, in different species — and 
the colors are red, white, yellow, purple, 
black, striped ; simple, or in almost numberless 
shades and mixtures ; and single, semi-double, 
and double. There is also a great variation 
in the leaves and stems, — some are climbers, 
covering hundreds of yards : so that there are 
an immense number of varieties under cultiva- 
tion, exceeding the number of either Hya- 
cinths or Tulips. 

M. Where have all these varieties been 
obtained ? 



JUNE. 



91 



H. A great part of them have been raised 
from seed within the last forty years, in Eu- 
rope and in this country. 

The Scotch and the Damask will next 
come in bloom ; and will be quickly followed 
by the Blush, White, York and Lancaster, and 
Provence ; and our native Roses last of all. 

The perennials for the June quarter, were 
the following. Spotted Stalked Phlox, with 
purplish red flowers ; Sweet scented Phlox, 
with pure white flowers ; Iris, Pasony, Blue 
and White Spiderwort, Sweet William of dif- 
ferent sorts, Fox Glove, Snapdragon, Monk's 
Hood, Dame's Violet, exotic ; and Perennial 
Lupin, and Bird's Foot Violet, indigenous. 

Particular care was necessary to keep down 
the weeds, during the whole of the month. 

The annuals were thinned out, and such as 
were wanted, to mix with the perennials, 
were transplanted the last part of the month 



92 



THE YOUNG FLORISTc 



with a scoop trowel, taking a plenty of earth 
with the roots. The plants in the second 
inner circle, were supplied with brush. 

The surface of the ground was kept light 
and no weeds suffered to.appear. 

The little garden looked very neat, and was 
the admiration of all who saw it. Henry's 
taste and industry were highly commended. — 
Some of the annuals began to expand at the 
close of the month, among which was the 
Azure Blue Gilia, — with its delicate flower, 
in heads, and finely divided leaves : the 
Scorzonera very showy in the morning, and 
which continues in bloom till autumn, — with 
orange yellow flowers and purple centra and 
dandelion shaped leaves ; and the Catehfly, a 
popular flower, very showy. 

Summer now seemed to have gained the 
ascendency. The foliage of the leaves was of 
the deepest and most brilliant green, and seem- 



JUNE. 



93 



ed to invite to their cooling shade. Henry 
made a rude seat under the wide spreading 
elm, which was a favorite retreat to himself 
and sister ; and here, secure from the burning 
sun, and fanned with the gentle breeze, many 
pleasant hours were spent in reading and in 
examining flowers; while above their heads in 
the thick luxuriant branches, numberless yelhwv 
birds made the air vocal with their pleasing 
notes. The Golden Robin, too, claimed a 
part of the tree as his domain, for on its long 
swinging branches, he had built his nest, and 
seemed busy in his domestic concerns ; while 
the swift Swallow, as though he was afraid 
there would be a lack of amusement, w T as 
circling round the tree, almost with the rapid- 
ity of lightning, nimbly feeding upon his active 
prey. 

Here they were seated on a warm June day, 
with a great variety of fresh gathered flowers. 



94 



THE YOUXG FLORIST. 



As Margaret was admiring the Monk's 
Hood, she observed that she had heard it pro- 
nounced a poisonous plant. 

Henry. It is a deadly poison, and should 
be known to all who cultivate it. Linnaeus 
says, that an ignorant surgeon prescribed the 
leaves, and on the patient refusing to take 
them, he took them himself, and died. 

Some persons, only taking the effluvia of 
the herb in full flower into the nostrils, have 
been seized with swooning fits, and have lost 
their sight for two or three days. 

Margaret. The whole plant is curious and 
handsome : but the terrible account you give 
of it, seems to balance the beauty, and I shall 
look at it for the future with suspicion. 

H. Here is the Digitalis or Fox Glove, 
which, though very beautiful, is a violent poi- 
son ; but is valuable in medicine. There is 
no danger of being injured by handling these 



JUNE. 



95 



plants. Xo one should put any kind of plant 
into his mouth without knowing its properties. 
Little childre n should not he suffered to run in 
a garden without attendance ; for I have heard 
of one who lost his life, by eating the flowers 
of the Columbine. 

M. Is it possible ! how careful, then, should 
we be. Here is the Phlox ; it is one of the 
most showy plants we have, and I like it much, 
because some of the species are in flower the 
whole season. 

H. The Sweet William, however common, 
is a beautiful llower : and one of the most con- 
spicuous ornaments, of this month and the 
beginning of next. 

M. The variety with bright purple flowers 
with white border, I think as pretty as any. 

H. I found that upon a heap of rubbish, I 
had thrown out of the garden, and suppose 
there were among it some stalks of the Sweet 
William, in which was seed. It is curious to 



96 



THE YOUNG FLORIST. 



observe, how many varieties will be produced 
from the same plant. 

31. The Spiderwort has very rich flowers, 
but it is to be regretted that it is so soon de- 
stroyed by the sun. 

H. But to make up that deficiency, it 
continues in bloom all summer, and adds much 
to the interest of a morning's visit to the garden. 

M. Why is the Fleur de Lis called the Iris ? 

H. From its great combination of colors ; 
which with its unique appearance, has ever 
found admirers, among the curious and scien- 
tific. There are a great many species and 
varieties ; we have only the dwarf and com- 
mon garden sorts. 

M. Is not the Blue Flag we see in the 
meadows, an Iris ? 

H. It is, and looks very gay with its blue 
flowers, with the Golden Senecio and a multi- 
tude of other flowers, that now add richness 
to the waving grass* 



JUNE. 



97 



M. Can anything equal the splendor of 
this Paeony ? 

H. No class of flowers has attracted more 
attention of late, than this in Europe and 
America. Many superb varieties have been 
introduced from China, which throw this, 
beautiful as it is, quite in the back ground. 
The species you hold in your hand, was in- 
troduced into Antwerp a little more than two 
hundred years ago, and then sold for an enor- 
mous price. 

M. It is common now in every garden, 
and justly considered worthy of the highest 
place. Nothing can exceed the richness of 
its crimson petals, and if other kinds are supe- 
rior to this, I should like to have them. 

H. There are as many as fifty different 
species and varieties ; some a pure white, 
blush, and shades of red and purple ; but the 
price of them is so high, that we must content 
ourselves without them. 



98 



THE YOUNG FLORIST. 



M. How curiously the Snapdragon springs 
open, when the thumb and finger presses the 
sides of the flower. 

H. It has the appearance of some crea- 
ture's mouth, which, I conclude, gives it the 
name. 

M. What is the reason the Perennial Lupin 
has succeeded no better in our garden ? 

H. It is almost impossible to transplant it 
with any success. The only sure way to have 
it in perfection, is to sow the seed where it is 
to remain. I have some growing from seed, 
and shall have this beautiful indigenous flower 
in abundance next year. 

M. We saw large beds of it the other day, 
along the edge of the sandy shrub oak wood, 
which were very showy. 

H. There is a singular circumstance in the 
manner in which the seed is scattered for pro- 
pagation. When the pods become perfectly 



JUNE. 



99 



dry, they suddenly open with a spring, so as to 
throw the seeds to a great distance. 

M. The many different ways in which 
seed is dispersed, are truly wonderful, and 
cannot fail to give exalted .views of the wis- 
dom of the Most High. 

H. The Bird's Foot Violet is a companion 
of the Lupin, and is so named, on account 
of the leaves resembling a bird's foot. They 
have flourished finely in our garden, and would 
look very pretty for a border to a bed. 

M. The Hesperis, or Dame's Violet, scents 
the whole garden with its highly odoriferous 
flowers. 

H. There is a double kind, which can 
be propagated only by parting the root, and 
which is highly prized. 

They were much amused now by some 
Humming birds. A pair of them was seen 
busily engaged, rapidly darting from flower to 



100 



THE YOUNG FLORIST. 



flower, collecting their delicious fare. Pre- 
sently another one appeared, and began to col- 
lect his share of the sweets ; but others think- 
ing they had the best right, darted upon him, 
and quicker than thought, their shrill cry was 
heard high in the air. 

Having driven the trespasser far away, the 
jealous birds returned, and seated themselves 
on a dead limb of a bush near by, much to the 
gratification of the children. Soon the intru- 
der returned, but with no better success, for 
the pair seemed to have taken possession, and 
claimed the spot as their own. 

Henry thinking they must have a nest near, 
commenced a search, and after a close exami- 
nation of a neighboring apple tree, found the 
puny and well concealed nest, upon one of its 
branches. So much did it appear like the 
moss which covered the limbs, that they were 
delighted with the ingenuity of the little bird* 



JUNE. 



101 



Henry had the curiosity to climb the tree, and 
look at the. nest, which was exceedingly neat, 
with eggs tlie size of peas'; but perceiving the 
agitation of the little bird, who darted within 
a few inches of his head, he made a hasty re- 
treat, not willing to disturb so lovely a crea- 
ture. 

At the close of the month- the Kalmia Bush 
was in blccm. Some of the woods near by 
were profusely ornamented with this most 
beautiful indigenous shrub. The Azalea was 
in bloom the beginning of the month — of 
which there were two species ; one with red 
flowers, in dry woods, the other in low 
grounds, with white flowers, both ornamental 
and fragrant. 

Honeysuckles now displayed their beauties, 
gracefully winding up the pillars of the cot- 
tage, perfuming the whole, house with their 
exquisite fragrance. 



102 



THE YOUNG FLORIST. 



As soon as the foliage of the Tulips began 
to turn purple, the roots were taken up, and 
laid in a shady place" to dry — as also the Cro- 
cuses ; the Crown Imperials too were moved 
the last of the month. 

Hyacinths are longer in coming to matu- 
rity. In about two months from the time of 
flowering, when the leaves begin to turn yel- 
low, which is about the middle of July, they 
should be taken up and treated in the same 
manner as the Tulips. 



JULY 



Later sorts of Roses are still in bloom, 
but much infested with the ravenous rose bu£. 

a 

Many troublesome insects now begin to 
swarm. The Pinks and Lilies, with the fol- 
lowing perennials, were found in bloom in the 
July quarter, in the course of the month, viz : 
Perennial Larkspurs, Double Feverfew, Co- 
reopsis, Scarlet Lychnis, Spiraeas, Phloxes, 
Mullein Pink, and Canterbury Bells, a biennial. 

Many annuals in the course of the month 
showed their flowers, among which were the 
Convolvulus Minor, Candytuft, Chrysanthe- 
mum, Coreopsis, Dwarf Rocket Larkspur, 
8 



106 



THE YOUNG FLORIST. 



Scarlet Cacaiia, Evening Primrose, Balsams, 
Beautiful Clarkea, and Yellow Hawkweed. — 
The arbor too began to be covered. As Hen- 
ry had labored with unwearied diligence the 
past month to keep down the weeds, very lit- 
tle difficulty was now experienced, as the 
plants had obtained a good growth. 

The plants were tied to neat sticks as they 
advanced in height, to prevent them from be- 
ins; beaten down bv heavy rams or high winds. 
All flow T er stalks were cut off after flower- 
ing, except such as were wanted for seed, and 
all with straggling branches neatly trimmed. 

One Carnation root graced the garden, 
whose opening flowers were the peculiar care 
of Margaret. She tied up its long stem to a 
piece of green wire, stuck into the ground; — 
One superb flower had expanded. The 
ground of it was white, elegantly variegated 
with scarlet and deep purple, and full three 



JULY. 



107 



inches in diameter. She thought it surpassed 
all the flowers that had been in bloom, wheth- 
er they had charmed the eve by their beauty, 
or regaled the sense of smelling by their fra- 
grance. As Henry came to her, she said she 
hoped he would save all the seed, as such a 
rich flower should be more plenty. 

Henry. The flower is double, and of course 
there will not be any seed. New varieties are 
raised from semi-double sorts, grown in the 
neighborhood of fine double ones ; and then, 
perhaps, out of five hundred seedling plants, 
one may be as handsome as ours. 

Margaret. How then are the fine double 
kinds multiplied ? 

M. By what is called laying. After the 
plant is done flowering, or before by some, the 
sprouts you see at the bottom of the plant, are 
laid in the following manner. An incision is 
made a quarter of an inch below the second or 



108 



THE YOUNG FLORIST. 



third joint from the plant, and the knife passed 
up to the centre of the joint. It is then peg- 
ged down with a hooked stick, and buried half 
an inch deep. In a short time they throw out 
roots, and may then be taken up and put in 
pots, or planted out in a bed. They must be 
well protected, or they will very likely be in- 
jured by the severity of the winter. 

Double Pinks can be propagated in the same 
w r ay ; or by dividing the roots when they have 
done flowering. 

They can be increased by piping, which is 
nothing more than cutting off the sprouts en- 
tirely, and setting them in small pots, which, 
if covered with a tumbler, will form roots. 

The Carnation was unknown to the an- 
cients, but has been cultivated in Europe time 
out of mind. Very little is known of it in its 
wild state, although it has been found on the 
south side of the Alps, and very rarely in 



JULY. 



109 



England. The botanical name, Dianthos, is 
from Greek words signifying, the flower of 
God } or divine flower, on account of its pre- 
eminent beauty. 

Margaret. The fine Double Pinks are not 
equal to the Carnation, but still they are su- 
perb ; and you say they are more desirable, be- 
cause thev are so hardy- We have two varie- 
ties, the one with rich purple centre and white 
border, so finely fringed, is my favorite : it is 
two and a half inches in diameter, 

H. I don't agree with you : I think the 
other is the handsomest ; the centre is deep 
crimson, bordered with fine blush — almost 
destitute of any fringe, — and the flower is as 
large as yours. 

M. The common kinds do very well when 
none of the superior sorts can be obtained, as 
they have the same exquisite fragrance ; but 
one fine variety is worth fifty of them. 



110 



THE YOUNG FLORIST. 



H. An immense number of varieties of 
Carnations and Pinks are cultivated by florists. 

M. Do you observe the White Lily per- 
fumes the whole garden ? 

H. The Lily is considered the emblem of 
purity. We have two species indigenous. 
The Canada Lily, with yellow spotted droop- 
ing flowers, may be seen the last of June, or 
the first of this month, in wet meadows. The 
Philadelphia Lily, now in bloom in dry pas- 
tures, with red erect flowers, is the other spe- 
cies. We have also in the garden, the Or- 
ange Lily, with upright flowers ; and a great 
many other beautiful species are in cultivation 
in some gardens. 

M. Don't you think the Larkspur a showy 
class of plants ? 

H. I do ; which do you consider the 
handsomest ? 

M. Of the annuals, the Double Dwarf 



JULY. 



Ill 



Rocket is by far the prettiest. See what a 
variety : — there are rose, white, lilac, blue, 
purple, and variegated ; and then the flowers 
are so full and thick, they form very dense 
spikes. 

H. The Double Branching Larkspur is 
fine, with the same variety of colors ; but the 
flowers are not so large or thick. Of all the 
species that I am acquainted with, the Double 
Perennial is the most grand : this we find in 
bloom from June to October, displaying its 
azure blue flowers in such long rich spikes, 
full three feet high, that they fill every be- 
holder with admiration. 

jl. I should say the Dwarf was the pretti- 
est, the Double Perennial the grandest, and 
and the Bee the most curious. The Perenni- 
al Bee Larkspur before us is at least four feet 
high, erect, and crowded with blue flowers, 
the central part having the exact appearance 
of a bee. 



112 



THE YOUNG FLORIST. 



H. The Perennial Grand Flowering, with 
its large, various colored brilliant flowers, is 
also very showy, and continues a long time in 
bloom. Here is a dguble kind I raised from 
seed : the flowers are a cerulean blue, variegat- 
ed with purple ; and upon the whole, taking 
the class together, they are very interesting, 
and very desirable, on account of their easy 
culture, great variety, and beauty. 

M. What curious little flow er 
is this ? 

H. It is the Beautiful Ciarkea, 
called by botanists, Ciarkea pul- 
chella ; it is exceedingly neat and 
handsome. It was discovered by 
Capt. Clark, at the mouth of Co- 
lumbia River, and named after him. c " pulch£:lla - 

M. Was it the same who accompanied 
Lewis on the exploring expedition to the 
Rocky Mountains ? 




JULY. 



113 



H. It was ; had it not been for them and 
other adventurous travellers, we never should 
have been in possession of such a variety of 
beautiful flowers. 

M. Here is the Coreopsis ; was not this 
brought from the West. 

H. Yes ; we are indebted to Mr Nuttall 
for this, who found it on the prairies near the 
Rocky Mountains, and as it seeds very freely 
and is perfectly hardy, it is now found in most 
gardens. It is not only ornamental, but con- 
tinues long in bloom. 

Some varieties of the Perennial Coreopsis 
are very beautiful ; the Broad Leaved I think 
most choice. 

M. My favorite, the Variegated Euphorbia, 
I believe was introduced by Nuttall from the 
West, and in my opinion it is one of the hand- 
somest plants in the garden in September. — 
The beauty of its variegated green and white 
leaves is unrivalled. 



114 



THE YOUNG FLORIST. 



H. The American Centaurea, a singular 
thistle like flower without prickles, was dis- 
covered by him on the banks of the Red River, 
and comes in bloom next month. .... 

M. I can now pick a bouquet of flowers 
exceedingly beautiful. 

H. Let me see a specimen of your 
taste. 

M. The Double White Spiraea, or Queen 
of the Meadow, of snowy whiteness — Double 
Scarlet Lychnis, rich blue — Azure Blue 
Gilia, light blue — Coreopis, deep yellow? 
with rich brown centre — Yellow Hawkweed, 
pale yellow with purple centre — Purple Can- 
dytuft, fine purple — LobePs Catchfly, pale 
red — Divaricate Phlox, purplish red — Mullein 
Pink, Common Pink, and Ten Weeks Stock, 
deep red — Lavender, light green — Hyssop, 
dark green. 

Henry. Very good : you might have added, 



JULY. 



115 



of the Double Feverfew, called 
by botanists, Pyrethrum parthe- 
nium, which is very pretty ; its 
white flowers are a great orna- 
ment to the garden. It is an ex- 
ceedingly neat border perennial, 
about two feet high, producing a 
great abundance of white flow- p PAKTHEXIUM - 
ers, and continues in bloom a long time. It 
is a native of England, and generally cultiva- 
ted and greatly admired in the cottage flower 
gardens in that country. — It should be sown 
on finely pulverized soil, lightly covered, and 
rolled down hard, or it will not vegetate. — 
When young, transplant it into borders where 
it is to remain. 

The two first you named, are the most 
superb perennials, and can be propagated only 
by dividing the roots. 

M. The Convolvulus Minor is beginning to 
open its rich tricolored flowers. 




116 



THE YOUNG FLORIST. 



H. It opens about seven or eight o'clock, 
and continues from one to four in the after- 
noon, depending upon the heat of the sun. — 
We shall have it in perfection for three months 
to come. 

M. The sun begins to be uncomfortably 
warm, and 1 mustjgo to the house. I will 
take one of the Wild Roses and add to mv 
nosegay, and present it to mother. . . . 

H. How busy the hay-makers are in yonder 
meadow; I am going to spread swarths for them. 

31. I admire to hear the sound of the whet- 
ting scythe, and smell the fragrance of the new 
made hay. Goldsmith says he pities the per- 
son whose taste is so perverted as to prefer 
the smell of musk, civet, &c. to the delicious 
fragrance of new mown hay, the Sweet Briar, 
the Honeysuckle, and the Rose ; and whose 
ears are ravished by the squeaking fiddle, 
but will be offended by the notes of the 



JULY. 



117 



Thrush, the Blackbird, and the Nightingale. 
I almost wish it was the fashion for girls to 
lend their assistance in haying, as in old times. 

Henry took hold of the fork in good earnest, 
and worked very diligently, though he w 7 as 
somewhat disturbed by the bees, who seemed 
to have settled thickly about the meadows ; 
and though he had been taught not to hurt any 
creature, he could not forbear fighting them, 
especially after he had been severely stung 
once or twice. 

After having slightly refreshed themselves, 
Farmer Thrifty, who did not mean to rust out, 
observed that they must make hay while the 
sun shone, and leading the way, was cheer- 
fully followed by his hale and hearty fellows, 
whose good constitutions had not been poison- 
ed by rum, and commenced the work of turn- 
ing and raking. 

The heat now seemed insupportable ; not a 



118 



THE YOU>"G FLORIST. 



breath of air was stirring : the birds lately so 
noisy were silent in the shade : and all was still, 
save the chirping of the grasshopper and crick- 
et, or the singing of the locust, and the occa- 
sional ominous note of the tree toad on the tree 
above. Xo clouds intercepted the powerful 
noon-day sun ; only a few white fleecy ones 
were seen slowly moving in the far distant 
west. 

As they lay reposing after dinner on their 
outer garments, a low distant sound of thun- 
der was heard. The farmer was immediately 
on his feet, and, looking anxiously to the west, 
directed their attention to a white cloud at a 
great distance, towering like a mighty moun- 
tain, with its summit clothed with eternal 
snow ; another distant peal brought all his 
workmen upon their feet, and without any 
urging they were quickly and nimbly at work, 
and soon the hay that was readv for the barn 



JULY. 



119 



was loaded into the carts, which were handy 
in the field. Every nerve seemed to be 
strained as they beheld the cloud, rising and 
blackening, and assuming every moment 
some new and fantastic shape, as they heard 
the frequent thunder nearer and nearer ; and 
now another cloud was seen swiftly rising 
in the north, and thunder answered to thunder 
as the hollow sound reverberated from one 
quarter to the other ; and as the clouds darken- 
ed, the frequent lightnings seemed to play with 
greater brilliancy as they darted from cloud to 
cloud. By this time the hastily loaded teams 
were hurried to the barn ; the well fed and 
managed oxen partaking of the spirit of the 
times, swiftly, and with apparent ease drew 
their ample loads to a place of safety. And 
now, without the loss of a single moment, the 

men commenced raking what remained 

They were not a little amused with their 



120 



THE YOUNG FLORIST. 



neighbors the other side of the brook. A 
black jug and a paper of brown sugar had 
been seen in their possession. There was 
such a whipping and shouting to the unman- 
ageable, and apparently deaf cattle as almost 
to drown the noise of the approaching tem- 
pest, which now enveloped the distant hills 
with a whitish mist, and was seen waving the 
trees of the nearer forests. At this critical 
moment an unlucky wight drove directly into 
a slough, and there the load stuck fast,* and 
was left to the fury of the tempest, w hich now 
came furiously over their heads. Farmer 
Thrifty had just finished the raking of his hay, 
when the big drops began to fall : but before 
the men could reach their outer garments the 
rain came down in torrents, accompanied with 
such vivid lightning as almost to take away 
the sight, instantaneously followed by tremen- 
dous peals of thunder. Some were for flying 

* See page 104. 



JULY. 



121 



to the tree for shelter, but they were told of 
the danger, and that the open field was the 
most secure place ; and soon they were con- 
vinced of this, for immediately there came a 
flash of lightning that seemed to envelope the 
whole meadow with fire, accompanied by such 
a deafening clap of thunder, as almost to stun 
the amazed spectators, and fill them with as- 
tonishment as they saw the tree rent, and its 
limbs scattered over the ground. They now 
with rapid speed, made their way to the house, 
carefully avoiding the trees, whose prostrate 
branches showed the fury of the tempest. 

Henry reached the house, as wet as if he 
had been in the brook ; but soon had his wet 
clothes exchanged for dry ones. The shower 
now seemed to have spent its fury : the thun- 
der appeared less heavy, and at a greater dis- 
tance — some seconds intervening between 
the flash of lightning and the report ; the rain 
9 



THE YOUNG FLORIST. 



quite abated, and the hoarse thunder was 
heard rolling in the distant east, and the light- 
ning seen beautifully playing among the black 
clouds ; when suddenly, the sun broke forth 
and looked upon the scene, which produced a 
full and perfect rainbow. The children were 
enraptured with the sight, and could hardly 
express their joy, as they noticed the bright 
green foliage of the distant trees, contrasted 
with the black eastern clouds, surmounted by 
the noble arch, with all its brilliant colors, 
faintly repeated so as to appear double ; — 
soon it gradually vanished away. 

Henry found that the tempest had done 
damage to the garden ; prostrating and break- 
ing plants, and washing away the soil. But 
in a few hours the following morning, all was 
set to rights again. The grass edging was 
trimmed with a large pair of shears, so that it 
looked as neat as ever. This operation had 
been performed once before. 



JULY. 



123 



White Water Lilies were found in abun- 
dance in a neighboring pond, which was often 
visited for this universal favorite, which so en- 
livens the ponds of New England* 



AUGUST 



The continued warm weather is favorable 
for insects, which now seem to revel in every 
shape, from the most beautiful butterfly to the 
humble worm : noisy with mirth, unconscious 
of the cold frost, that is soon to sweep them 
from existence. 

Among the most prominent is what is com- 
monly called the August bird, whose dull 
monotonous note, at the close of the day, 
seems to tell of days misspent and privileges 
abused, and friendly warns us of the rapidity 
of time, and of approaching eternity, and the 
importance of improving the remainder of our 
days to the best advantage. 



126 



THE YOUNG FLORIST. 



Early in the month, our young friends 
were highly amused, in observing the red and 
yellow butterflies, whirling round in playful 
company ; now lighting upon the margin of the 
still brook — then flitting from flower to flow- 
er of the milkweed, and other showy plants 
that lined the margin of the stream ; while the 
larger and more gaudy species were to be 
seen in their more solitary flight, mixing oc- 
casionally with the puny tribes. The Drag- 
on Flies, with long needle-like body, and 
transparent wings, mingled in the sport, as 
they rapidly skimmed over the surface of the 
smooth water. In the evening twilight might 
be seen moths of every description. One 
species in particular arrested their attention, 
(as they were looking at the Evening Prim- 
roses,) which was hovering about this flower 
and the Four o'Clock. Henry supposed it was 
a species of Humming Bird, until he caught 



AUGUST. 



127 



one, and found it was a large, beautiful Moth. 
He was greatly astonished when his father 
told him it was produced from the nauseous 

green tobacco worms As the darkness 

increased, the Fire Flies enlivened the mea- 
dows with their numerous brilliant lights, — 
the air resounded with the noise of myriads of 
insects ; and to give variety to the scene, the 
large Bull Frog would occasionally be heard 
in deep guttural bass. The Toad, too, as he 
sat half immersed in water, was not a whit 
behind his neighbor, in point of musical talent, 
as he occasionally joined the chorus^ in shrill 
and lengthened notes. 

The following group of flowers was to be 
seen in the quarter for August.* 

In the rear was the stately perennial double 
flowering Sun Flower, with its beautiful 
dahlia-like flowers ; with the magnificent red, 
and the red and white Hibiscus, and the Dou- 

* See pages 22 — 27. 



128 



THE YOUNG FLORIST. 



ble China Hollyhock, red, black, yellow and 
white: — before them, the superb Cardinal 
Flower, with incomparable scarlet flowers — 
the white and purple Pyramidal Phlox, whose 
stalks it was necessary to support, on account 
of the load of its flowers — the Purple Rud- 
beckia, the Tiger Lily, with stems tall and 
erect, with numerous glossy leaves, each or- 
namented by a black berry-like bulb, termi- 
nating in a chandelier top of numerous black 
spotted, orange flowers — the Dwarf Soli- 
dago, with fine yellow — the Fulgent Rud- 
beckia, with yellow and brown — the Cox- 
comb, deep crimson, and the Prince's Feather, 
with deep red flowers. The ¥eUdw Swallow 
Wort, too, ornamented this group with rich 
orange flowers, — a native of sandy fields. 

Nearly all the annuals were this month in 
bloom, and the arbor was completely covered 
with a profusion of foliage and flowers ; so 



AUGUST. 



129 



that the whole circle of plants made a most 
gorgeous show, which could only be apprecia- 
ted by those who saw it. Very little was to 
be done but the saving of seeds, cutting down 
decayed plants, and tying up and trimming ; 
so that now, all their toils seemed to be 
more than repaid in all the beauty and variety 
before them. With seats in the arbor, it 
was a delightful retreat during the hours al- 
lowed for recreation. 

The Thunbergia Alata, or 
Winged Thunbergia, was now to 
be seen every morning with its 
yellow and purple flow T ers ; this 
plant was first cultivated in Eng- 
land, in 1825, and has proved a 
great acquisition to our flower 
gardens. It is a climbing perennial, easily- 
raised from seeds, and comes into flower the 
first season, when quite young, and continues 




130 



THE YOUNG FLORIST. 



to produce numerous beautiful yellow flowers, 
with a rich purple centre, for many months. — 
It grows well in pots in the parlor, with a 
small trellis, and will endure a slight frost 
without injury. 

As they were viewing the Mimosa or Sen- 
sitive Plant, one fine morning, Margaret re- 
membered and repeated Dr Darwin's beautiful 
and expressive lines upon it. 

" Weak with nice sense the chaste Mimosa stands, 
From each rude touch withdraws her tender hands ; 
Oft as light clouds o'erpass the summer glade, 
Alarmed she trembles at the moving shade, 
And feels alive through all her tender form, 
The whisper'd murmurs of the gathering storm, 
Shuts her sweet eyelids to approaching night, 
And hails with fresher charms the rising light." 

Henry. His description is just and beau- 
tiful. The sensibility of the plant is worthy 
of particular attention and admiration. 

Margaret. How has this sensibility been 
accounted for ? 



AUGUST. 



131 



H. Dr Darwin says, naturalists never 
have explained the immediate cause. 

31. At the approach of night, how curious- 
ly the leaves meet and close together, as 
though asleep. 

H. And not only at night, but at all hours 
of the day, the least touch, or concussion of 
air produces the same effect ; and if the leaf 
stems are touched, as though hung with 
hinges on the main stem, they instantly drop; 
presently recovering and resuming their for- 
mer position ; so that a person would be in- 
duced to think they were really endowed with 
the sense of feeling. 

M. I have noticed when it was very hot, 
the plant was most irritable — and when quite 
cold, very slightly so. 

H. Every change of weather seems to af- 
fect it ; so that it may justly be esteemed one 
of the most w onderful plants. It is said that a 



132 



THE YOUNG FLORIST. 



curious Calabrian philosopher, upon observing 
the nature of the plant, without being able to 
discover the cause of its sensibility, became 
insane. We may learn something from this 
plant. 

It would be foolish for us to say there was 
no such thing as a sensitive plant, (now plainly 
before our eyes,) because enlightened men 
cannot explain the cause of its sensitiveness. 
But would it be equal to the folly of saying 
there was no God ? or that we did not believe 
that he existed from eternity ? or in the other 
doctrines of the Bible relating to himself, which 
are as plainly revealed to us there, — as this 
plant is to our eyes — because they cannot be 
comprehended by enlightened reason ! It is 
no wonder men become insane, like the Cala- 
brian philosopher, when they attempt to ex- 
plain or to look into things too high for the 
human mind. 



AUGUST. 



133 



M. May we never be left to doubt, because 
we cannot understand the mysterious doctrines 
of the Bible 

H. The Ice Plant, I think a curious and 
splendid plant, on account of the ice-like crys- 
tals which adorn and cover the succulent leaves 
and stems. 

M. I hope you have one of these, and the 
Sensitive Plant in pots, as the first frost will 
destroy all in the ground. 

//. I have not only these, but other tender 
annuals potted The Yel- 
low Escholtzia ( Escholtzia cal- 
ifornica,) is a beautiful plant, 
and was first grown in England 
in 1826, from seeds transmitted 
from California. Each plant 
forms a wide patch of decum- 
bent stems, covered with a fine, 
healthy, glaucous foliage, upon which repose 




134 



THE YOUNG FLORIST. 



hundreds of rich yellow flowers, unfolding 
their interior, of a dazzling brightness, under 
the influence of the sun, but closing at the ap- 
proach of rain. It is a perfectly hardy plant, 
thrives best in an open, dry, light soil, and 
flowers from June till destroyed by frost. It 
should be sown early, in a frame with a little 
heat, and turned into the open garden after 
it has acquired ten or twelve leaves. 

What a profusion of morning flowers now 
adorn the garden ; the arbor, with the nume- 
rous varieties of the Convolvulus, and different 
varieties of the Flowering Bean, agreeably in- 
termingled, make a splendid show. 

M. But of all the creepers, the Cypress 
Vine, with its abundant deep green feathery 
foliage, and crimson flowers, may be consid- 
ered first ; this, with the deep orange of the 
Nasturtium, and the various colored fragrant 
Sweet Pea, and curious Balloon Vine, matted 



AUGUST. 



135 



together, give the inner circle a gay appear- 
ance. (See page 19 J 

H. Among the many beautiful morning 
flowers, I think the Commelina is not exceed- 
ed by many. 

M. Nothing can surpass the brilliancy of 
the fine blue of its three-leaved flower, with 
the same number of rich yellow stamens ; but 
they are soon destroyed by the hot sun ; the 
stems and leaves look a little like grass. 

H. I shall take up the roots in October, 
and keep them in the cellar with our Dahlias, 
as the roots, like them, are tuberous. 

M. The African Hibiscus, and 
Bladder Ketmia are also beautiful 
morning flow T ers, but soon perish. 

H. The African Hibiscus ( Hi- 
biscus vesicarius) is much supe- 
rior to the other varieties, being 
much larger, and is the size of. a 
common teacup ; the petals are a H * 




136 



THE YOUNG FLORIST. 



delicate straw color, with rich purple centre, 
adorned with a cone of numerous golden sta- 
mens. To make amends for its frailty, it is 
very hardy, and continues to send forth a long 
succession of flowers. 

M. The fragrant balsams are to be seen at 
all times of the day. It seems to me I have 
never seen so handsome ones as ours ; the 
flowers are as full as Roses ; some are variega- 
ted, others crimson, scarlet, purple, white and 
pink — not a single flower among the whole. 

H. I have been careful to pull up every 
single and semi-double one, as not worthy of a 
place in the garden. The double varieties 
produce seed sparingly. I shall save every 
seed, as it improves by age, and will be good 
ten years hence. 

M. A multitude of other plants show their 
flowers from morning to night, as the Chrys- 
anthemums, Zinnias, Marigolds, Amaranthus 



AUGUST. 



137 




S. TINGITAWUJf. 



Lavateras, and many others that so profusely 
decorate the garden ; among others, the Tan- 
giers Scorzonera ( the Scorzonera 
tingitanum of botanists) is a very 
hardy annual, and is very showy, 
particularly in the morning — be- U 
ing covered with bright yellow 
flowers a long time through the 
season. Why don't you have some 
of the beautiful Gerardia, that is 
now so ornamental to the woods, and looks so 
much like yellow Foxglove ? 

H. I have taken up the roots repeatedly, 
but with no success, and my efforts this year 
to raise it from seed, have also failed. 

M. There are two species, I believe. 

H. The oak leaved is the handsomest; 
the flowers are variegated with brown, but 
soon perish. Most of our perennials now in 
bloom, are inhabitants of some part of North 
10 



138 



THE YOUNG FLORIST, 



America, and in point of beauty may well 
compare with any exotic. 

M. The Cardinal Flower, I think, cannot 
be surpassed in the richness of its scarlet* 

H. Our brook has an abundance on its 
banks, and although fond of w r ater, it seems to 
flourish here with greater luxuriance. These 
plants I raised from seed, but they succeed 
very well if taken up before or after flowering ; 
if part of the garden is wet, that is the best 
place for them. In point of richness of color, 
the Dwarf Solidago and Orange Swallow- 
wort, both abundant in our dry pastures, may 
be classed with the Cardinal Flower. The 
Swallow- wort has long thick roots like a pars- 
nip, which may be dug even when in bloom, 
as ours was, and set out in the garden, and will 
flower well the next year. 

M. I have not seen the Hibiscus wild, nor 
the Phlox. 



AUGUST. 



139 



H. I have not ; but they are found in some 
parts of the country. 

M. Here is the Grand Flowering Arge- 
mone ; you say it is from Mexico ; it looks 
somewhat like a large white Poppy, but is 
more delicate, and very ornamental, as it is 

always in bloom The Crepis 

Barbata, or Purple Eyed Crepis is 
uncommonly beautiful and hardy, 
and of the easiest culture. It 
should be sown in masses, and 
thinned out to eighteen inches' 
distance. It continues to flower 
from the first of July to October, 
during which time it is covered with beautiful 
blossoms, the petals of a light yellow, finely 
contrasted with a brilliant purple centre. It 
grows wild in the south of France 

By the middle of the month they were 
highly amused by the swallows as they con- 




140 



THE Y0U5G FLORIST* 



gregated on the roof of the barn, as if in deep 
consultation about their contemplated journey ; 
occasionally taking a circling flight, then set- 
tling down again eagerly engaged, as if some 
important question was under discussion : and 
as night approached, they seemed to adjourn to 
the brook, and might there be seen, settling 
upon and bending the bashes almost to the 
water by their numbers — resuming again 
their business at the usual place early the 
next morning. 

Among the evening flowers that attracted 
their attention, was the Marvel of Peru, or 
Four o'Clock, of different colors, and which 
continues with the morning flowers, until, like 
them, destroyed by the sun : this opens about 
four o'clock. Another species, the Long Flow- 
ered, with white flowers and purple centre, 
standing on long tubes, and fragrant, is very 
firiii ? but perishes before morning. 



AUGUST. 



141 



They were pleased oftentimes to go after 
sunset, to watch the opening of the Eve- 
ning Primroses, which are the grand evening 
flowers. 

Margaret. The Mignonette emits a deli- 
cious fragrance, as the dews of the evening 
begin to fall. 

H. It is very desirable on that account, 
and continues long in bloom, and is one of the 
plants I should not like to have absent, though 
the flowers have but little claim to beauty. 
Now watch this Grand Flowering Primrose* 
You see the four green leaves by which the 
flower is enclosed, and which is called the 
calyx ; they are hooked together at the top, 
and enclose the flower, which you observe is 
anxious to expand, by the parting of the calyx 
below, and showing its yellow petals. 

ili. Now it seems to be at a stand. 

H. It is acquiring force to unhook the 
calyx at the top, which seems to be disposed 



THE YOUNG FLORIST. 



to keep it under control, as in times past, when 
in infancy and youth. 

M. There ! then it burst the calyx and is 
free, but it is not fully expanded. 

H. It has exhausted itself in the struggle ; 
it waits a moment to recruit; now it has spread 
out quite flat. 

M. How curious it is to see them popping 
out so thick ; they give a sickening perfume to 
the garden. 

H. Here is the Long Flowering, standing 
on long tubes ; this, with the other kind, keeps- 
company with the morning flowers a while ; 
but here is the elegant low spreading species, 
with pure white flowers, which loses its beauty 
before morning ; all that is then to be seen, is 
the shrivelled flower, changed to a pink color. 

M. The Night Flowering, I think, is also 
a beautiful species ; its habits, like the last, 
are delicate, and the blossoms are found per- 
ished in the morning. 



SEPTEMBER. 



All the annuals come into flower this month 
which have not bloomed before. The most 
showy is the large family of China Asters, 
Sweet Alyssum, Variegated Euphorbia, Scarlet 
Malope, Purple and Yellow Immortal Flower, 
Purple and White Amaranthus, Cockscomb, 
and a multitude of others. 

The perennials are the splendid Dahlias, 
which are now in perfection, the New Eng- 
land Star Flower and Solidagos, with their 
numerous species and varieties, which also 
profusely adorn the meadow, w T ood, and fields; 
and many other perennials continue in bloom, 
which have been noticed. 



144 



THE YOUNG FLORIST* 



Little is to be done in the garden but to 
pick up all decayed leaves and plants, and 
to transplant and divide perennials, which 
should be done by the first of this month, or 
the last of August, or sooner. 

The nights now begin to grow cool, and 
fears are often anticipated, that a frost will de- 
stroy the beauty of the garden, now in the 
height of grandeur, which fears are often real- 
ized by the last of the month, and sometimes 
before, and do partial injury. 

The Dahlia is the grand object of admira- 
tion this month ; and although it produces 
flowers frequently through the summer, they 
are not equal to what are seen now. 

Margaret. Our Dahlias are superb ; you 
were so careful to put down stakes, and tie 
them up and trim them, that they make a ma- 
jestic appearance ; there is at least a dozen of 
the purple, now in full bloom, and nearly as 



SEPTEMBER. 



145 



many of the scarlet, with many buds in pro- 
gression ; what a pity it is that they must so 
soon be destroyed by frost : what can be 
richer than the colors ? and then the plant is 
so tall and grand, that I must say, as I have 
before of other flowers, that this is the finest. 
I should admire to see a large collection of 
them, of all colors and shades, as I have heard 
there were numerous varieties cultivated. Do 
tell me something about its history. 

Henry. It was named after a Swedish 
botanist, by the name of Dahl, a pupil of Lin- 
naeus. It is also called Georgina. 

It is but a few years since it was known in 
this country, and was but little cultivated in 
England until 1814. It is a native of Mexico, 
and the first introduced into Europe was a 
purple one, in 1789, which was single. 

Double ones of three colors were first 
known in 1 802 ; since then the varieties have 



146 



THE YOUNG FLORIST. 



been astonishingly increased ; and now such 
varieties as a few years ago were considered 
beautiful, are thrown' away to give place to 
the more splendid sorts which are annually 
produced from seed. 

M. Will they flower the first year from 
seed ? 

H. Yes ; but most of the flowers will be 
single ; perhaps one in a hundred, or more, 
will be a fine double one, if the seed is of a 
good quality. 

M. How then are the fine varieties propa- 
gated ? 

H. By dividing the roots, which are tube- 
rous, and resemble the sweet potato very 
much ; as soon as the frost has blackened the 
.tops, they should be dug up and put into a 
warm and dry cellar, secure from frost. When 
spring returns, they must be divided by a sharp 
knife, being careful to leave a bud on each 



SEPTEMBER. 



147 



tube, or else they will not grow. Gardeners 
also raise them by cuttings. 

M. I hope we shall be able to obtain some 
new varieties in the spring. 

H. The China Asters make a good show 
now ; we have some of the finest, which are 
the Double Quilled of different sorts, and va- 
riegated. 

M. The Immortal Flowers, with the Ama- 
ranthus, are desirable on account of their per- 
manency ; 1 shall cut the greater part of them 
to ornament the mantel-piece in the winter. 

H. They look very well when no fresh 
flowers are at hand ; I have understood they 
will retain their color for years. 

M. I shall cut some of the elegant Cocks- 
combs, too, before the frosts. 

H. The Euphorbia can be preserved so as 
to retain in a great measure its beauty, by 
being dried between paper, and pressed. * 



148 



THE YOUNG FLORIST. 



M That will be fine ; with that, and the 
Purple, White, and Yellow Immortal Flower, 
the Purple and White Amaranthus, and Red 
and Yellow Cockscomb, I can make quite a 
gay bouquet for winter. 

H. The Scarlet Malope is a beautiful or- 
nament to the garden, on account of its com- 
ing in and continuing so late, as well as the 
beauty of its althea shaped flower. 

M. The Sweet Alyssum is another that I 
like on that account, with its numerous little 
fragrant white flowers. 

The principal perennials not before men- 
tioned in the September quarter, were the New 
England Star Flower, or native Aster; many 
of these species combined presented a fine 
show ; here were as many as a dozen different 
sorts, with various shades of purple, blue, rose 
and white, and laden w 7 ith a profusion of dif- 
ferent sized flowers ; some fine species of the 



SEPTEMBER. 



149 



Solidago were mixed in with them, all of which 
Henry selected from the fields the last year 
when in bloom, and transferred them to the 
garden. A late species of the Phlox, with its 
red flowers, gave life to the whole. A few of 
the annuals now in perfection were mingled in 
with them ; some fine Altheas, also in bloom, 
on the back side, added beauty to the group. 

The garden continued its gorgeous appear- 
ance until the last of the month, when there 
came a frost sufficiently heavy to destroy the 
tender annuals, which, when the sun arose, 
gave them a blackened and melancholy ap- 
pearance ; these Henry soon removed, and 
the garden was not entirely destitute of beau- 
ty, for many plants remained as bright as ever. 
The Dahlias were partially injured, but warm 
weather following, they seemed to revive and 
flower as well as ever. 



OCTOBER. 



A few slight frosts appeared to have af- 
fected the trees in a singular manner. The 
large Maples in the meadow had changed to a 
deep red ; the foliage of some trees was of a 
bright yellow ; others were turning purple — 
every shade from green to yellow, and from 
yellow to red and purple, might be seen in the 
surrounding forests. 

The first half of the month was remarkably 
pleasant ; Margaret thought it the most de- 
lightful part of the year, while she rambled 
about the woods with Henry gathering nuts, 

The leaves were beginning to fall from the 
trees, which reminded them of the approach of 



OCTOBER. 



151 



winter, yet there was much about the forest 
that gave them pleasure. The squirrels were 
engaged in the same employment as them- 
selves, laying up a store of nuts for the win- 
ter, from the profusion scattered over the 
ground. 

The striped squirrel attracted their atten- 
tion, as he was seen nimbly gliding to his 
store-house, occasionally stopping to recon- 
noitre the intruders, his cheeks swelling with 
the load. 

The red squirrel made the woods resound 
with his whirring, secure on the top of some 
tall pine. 

A grey squirrel was seen running on a pros- 
trate tree; suddenly stopping, and quietly seat- 
ing himself with tail erect, he began to indulge 
himself with a chesnut, which he conveniently 
held to his mouth with his fore feet, quickly 
hopping on a tree, as the children made a 
movement to get a nearer view. 



152 



THE YOUNG FLORIST. 



Margaret. What singular bird is that de- 
scending from the tree before us ? 

Henry. It is not a bird, but the curious fly- 
ing squirrel ; see ! another flies ; they have 
landed at the foot of that dead tree ; now they 
run up the tree and enter a hole. 

ilf. It is strange that a squirrel should fly. 
Have they wings like birds ? 

H. They have not proper wings, but a 
skinny substance, covered with fur, in the 
same manner as the body, which extends from 
the hind to the fore feet. They cannot, like 
birds, rise in the air, or even horizontally, but 
descend from the tops of trees obliquely, as we 
saw. ..... Now we have filled our baskets, 

we will return ? 

M. Hark ! is that thunder ? 

H. No ; it is the drumming of the par- 
tridge. 

M. How do they contrive to make such a 
noise ? 



OCTOBER. 



153 



M. It is done by the male bird, as he 
stands in the midst of his family, on a pros- 
trate log, parading with erected tail and ruff, 
and drooping wings — very much like the tur- 
key. Suddenly he commences flapping his 
sides with his wings, with increased rapidity 
of motion, which produces the tremulous 
noise we have just heard. 

As they passed on through the woods, they 
started up a flock of Partridges ; the sudden 
noise occasioned by their flight at first alarmed 
Margaret, until Henry told her what they 
were. 

They were gratified with the sight of a Rab- 
bit in the path before them, who for an instant 
timidly watched them, and then glided into 
the bushes. 

The beautiful Blue Jay was frequently seen 
flying from tree to tree, uttering his noisy 
notes. The crows were seen in sable dress, in 
11 



154 



THE YOUNG FLORIST. 



lengthened lines, in their sluggish, silent flight, 
as they passed over the meadows to a distant 
wood. 

An abundance of Wild Asters and Solidagos 
continued to ornament the edge of the forest, 
and on the banks of the brook, the Black Alder 
showed its brilliant scarlet berries ; the Cle- 
matis made a fine appearance, as it stretched 
its long trailing branches from bush to bush, 
covered with bunches of seeds, w 7 ith their 
curling, feathery tails. 

Margaret picked a bunch of the Barrel 
Flowered Gentian on the margin of the brook, 
which she thought were buds, which its deep 
blue flowers resemble, until Henry told her 
they would not expand any more. 

But the most elegant flower of this month 
is the Fringed Gentian, which they found in 
abundance in the meadow. They very much 
admired its delicate, bell-shaped, blue flowers, 
with fringed border. 



OCTOBER. 



155 



Some of the most hardy annuals mentioned 
last month, continued still to display their 
flowers. The most conspicuous were the 
Scarlet Flowered Malope, which seemed to 
flourish in spite of frost, — Sweet Alyssum, 
with fragrant white flowers — Immortal Flower 
of various sorts ; Dahlias continued until the 
middle of the month ; Gentians, Solidagos and 
Asters, indigenous plants, and some other 
perennials, showed to advantage in the Octo- 
ber quarter. 

The Early Blush Chrysanthemum was much 
admired, and also some beautiful varieties in 
pots, which Henry had nursed with care, and 
which now began to ornament the sitting- 
room. 

Margaret. There is nothing that equals the 
beaut v of the Chrysanthemum at this season : 
how does it happen that the flowers are so 
much finer than they were last year ? 

Henry. It is owing to different manage- 



156 



THE YOUNG FLORIST. 



ment. Last year they were put into large 
pots, when they were taken out of the cellar 
in the spring, with common garden soil, and no 
attention paid to trimming, but grew up with 
numerous stems ; the pots being crowded, pro- 
duced but few and small flowers. 

This year I was more particular. I had 
prepared in the fall a compost of two thirds 
well rotted turf, and one third decayed scrap- 
ings from the cow yard, which were well 
mixed together and left in a heap until wanted 
for use. In April I took some small sized 
pots, and filled them with this compost ; in 
each pot I put a single sprout, with a small 
piece of the root of the old plant. They w T ere 
then set in the window, and by the last of 
May had grown half a foot or more ; they 
were then shifted to a pot one size larger, and 
plunged into the ground in a shady place ; if 
any suckers appeared at the bottom, they were 
taken off. In the course of the summer, the 



OCTOBER. 



157 



operation of shifting was performed twice 
more ; the last time, in August, into large 
sized pots, I was careful to tie up the stems 
to a neat stick as they advanced in height, and 
watered them occasionally with liquid manure. 
Before any frost appeared they were put un- 
der shelter. 

M. Those buds that have opened are twice 
as large as they were last year : the plants are 
so tall and healthy, one would hardly believe 
they were from the same stock. 

H. The Chrysanthemum is a universal fa- 
vorite with florists, and is very ornamental to 
the green house and parlor, when but few other 
plants are in bloom. 

The Chinese are very fond of this flower, and 
from them all the beautiful varieties, amounting 
to as many as fifty or sixty, have originated. 

The first was brought into England in 
1764 : latterly most of the varieties have been 
introduced. 



153 



THE YOUNG FLORIST. 



Henry planted the remainder of the bulbous 
roots this month ; the Lilies, Crown Imperials, 
and Paeonies having been planted in August, 
Holes were dug one foot and a half deep, and 
filled with a previously prepared compost of 
one third fine river sand, one third decayed 
scrapings of the cow yard, and one third well 
rotted pasture turf. 

Polyanthus, Narcissus, Paeonies, Crown Im- 
perials, and Lilies, were planted five inches 
deep from the top of the bulb ; H jacinths, 
four inches ; Tulips, Narcissus, and Jonquilles, 
three inches ; and Crocuses and Snow Drops, 
two inches. 



NOVEMBER. 



Hard frosts the beginning of this month de- 
stroyed nearly all the flowers. From what re- 
mained, Margaret picked a bouquet, in which 
were the Scarlet Flowered Malope, Sweet 
Alyssum, Scarlet Monthly Honeysuckle, Bee 
Larkspur, China Pink, Immortal Flower, and 
Heart's Ease. 

The Dahlia stalks having been cut off near 
the ground, the roots w 7 ere carefully dug, and 
laid on a shelf in a warm dry cellar. Some 
roots of the Commelina were also taken up 
and put with them. 

All the flower stalks were cut off, and at 
the close of the month, the perennials wer§ 



160 



THE YOUNG FLORIST. 



covered with pine boughs, to secure them from 
the piercing cold of December. 

There was but little to interest the children 
this month in the garden or fields ; for with the 
exception of a few fine days, the weather was 
cold and gloomy ; the verdure of the meadows 
faded, the flowers perished, and the trees were 
stripped of their foliage. This cheerless state 
of nature suggested to Margaret's mind the 
following well known 

LINES 

Suggested by the sight of some late Autumnal Floicers. 

1. These few pale autumn flowers, 

How beautiful they are ! 
Than all that went before, 
Than all the summer store, 

How lovelier far ? >, 

2. And why ? They are the last ! 

The last ! the last ! the last ! 
O ! by that little word 
How many thoughts are stirred ; 

That sister of the past ! 

3. Pale flowers ! pale perishing flowers ! 

Ye 're types of precious things ; 
Types of those better moments 
That flit like life's enjoyments, 

On rapid, rapid wings. 



NOVEMBER. 



161 



4. Last hours with parting dear ones, 

(That time the fastest spends,) 
Last tears in silence shed, 
Last words half uttered, 

Last looks of dying friends. 

5. Who, but would fain compress 

A life into a day, 
The last day spent with one 
Who, ere the morning's sun, 

Must leave us, and for aye ? 

(3. O ! precious, precious moments ! 

Pale flowers ! ye 're types of those 
The saddest, sweetest, dearest, 
Because, like those, the nearest 

To an eternal close. 

7. Pale flowers ! pale perishing flowers ! 
I woo your gentle breath, — 
I leave the summer rose 
For younger blithesome brows ; — 
Tell me of change and death ! 



Henry brought into the house a branch of 
the Witch Hazel, which excited their curiosity, 
not so much on account of the beauty of its yel- 
low flowers which ornament its naked stems, 



a solitary exception to the general desolation 
by which it is surrounded. 

Margaret. What has given it the name of 




appear 




Witch Hazel? 



162 



THE YOUNG FLORIST. 



Henry. I suppose on account of its being 
used by some simple, ignorant men, to discover 
springs of water, and mines. 

M. How is it used ? 

H. I cannot tell you exactly ; but I have 
heard it said, that those who make such pre- 
tensions, repair to the spot with a rod of it, 
which they hold in their hands in a peculiar 
manner, and that the rod will turn, and point 
to the spring or mine, if there be any in the 
neighborhood. Many a gaping, wondering 
spectator has been cheated, and deceived, and 
disappointed at last by these men, in whose 
hands the Witch Hazel is said to display its 
power. 

M. Do you suppose a spring, or a mine, 
was ever discovered by this means ? 

H. No, never ! it is all nonsense. I trust 
this part of the world has become so enlight- 
ened, that none but very ignorant people, will 
now be imposed upon by these jugglers. 



DECEMBER. 



Margaret. Look, brother, it begins to snow. 
How sorry I am that winter is coming again ; 
we shall see no more flowers till its reign is 
over. Do you not wish that w r e could have 
winter without snow ? 

Henry. No ; I do not. What do you sup- 
pose would be the consequence, if there was 
to be no snow ? 

M. I suppose it would be better for the 
plants, not to have so cold a covering over 
them. 

H. You surprise me ; have you forgotten 
the beautiful language with which David de- 
scribes the snow r I will repeat what he says 
about the snow and cold. 



164 



THE YOUNG FLORIST. 



"He giveth snow like wool ; he scatter eth the 
hoar frost like ashes. 

" He casteth forth his ice like morsels ; who 
can stand before his cold." 

" He giveth snow like woo/.' 5 What do 
you suppose he meant by that ? 

M. That it was white like wool. 

H. I apprehend he meant something else : 
that it afforded a warm covering like wool to 
the earth, and its many plants, without which 
they would have perished from the piercing 
cold. 

M. It is a new 7 idea to me ; from appear- 
ances, I should suppose it far otherwise. 

H. Snow is of great use to the vegetable 
kingdom, and in it we may see the wisdom of 
God ; for without this protection, many roots 
would perish, 

M. I spoke hastily about the snow;. I see 
that if all our foolish wishes were gratified, 
confusion would soon be introduced into the 



DECEMBER. 



165 



works of our Heavenly Father. Let us be 
thankful that he moderates the continuance of 
the winter, and renders it useful to the earth : 
let us bless him if abundance of all things 
needful renders us free from the miseries 
which many suffer during this inclement sea- 
son ; and let us learn to contribute liberally to 
their relief. Let us also expect from his 
power things impracticable to all others. 

H. It is wrong for us ever to feel dissatis- 
fied with any of the changes of the seasons ; 
for God at the creation pronounced everything 
he had done " very good." 

31. Winter, to be sure, seems at first 
thought to be cheerless ; but when we come 
to think a little more about it, and remember 
how pleasantly our last winter was spent, and 
how many delightful evenings we enjoyed in 
conversation and books at our cheerful fireside, 
in company with our dear parents, and how 7 
comfortable it is to sit by a good fire when the 



166 



THE YOUNG FLORIST. 



storm is raging without, I can witness its ap- 
proach with pleasure. 

H. Had we a perpetual summer and a 
continued succession of flowers, we should 
perhaps soon become indifferent, and esteem 
them of little value ; but now, after we have 
been sated with them, as it were, they are 
taken from us and laid aside for the present, 
that we may enjoy new pleasures, and be pre- 
pared to enjoy them with a keener relish when 
spring again bursts upon us. 



XOTE. — Page 41. 



■ The amiable and indefatigable ornithologist, Alexander 
Wilson, who perhaps was better acquainted with the habits 
of our birds than any other person, when speaking of the 
Sturnus preiatorius. or red winged black-bird, which, by the 
way, is by our farmers considered the most mischievous of 
birds, says 4 their food in spring and the early part of summer 
consists of grub- worms, caterpiliars, and various other larvae, 
the silent but deadly enemies of all vegetation, and whose 
secret and iusidious attacks are more to be dreaded by the 
husbandman than the combined forces of the whole feathered 
tribes together ; for these vermin the black-birds search with 
great diligence ; in the ground at the roots of plants, in 
orchards and meadows, as well as among buds, leaves and 
blossoms : and from their known voracity, the multitudes of 
these insects which they destroy must be immense.' 

■ Let me illustrate this by a short computation. If we sup- 
pose each bird, on an average, to devour fifty of these larvae 
in a day, (a very moderate allowance) a single pair in four 
months, the usual time such food is sought after, will con- 
sume upwards of twelve thousand. It is believed that not less 
than a million pairs of these birds are distributed over the 
whole extent of the United States in summer: whose food 
being nearly the same, would swell the amount of vermin de- 
stroyed to twelve thousand millions. But the number of young 
birds may be fairly estimated at double that of their parents, 
and as these are constantly fed on larvae for at least three 



168 



NOTE. 



weeks, making only the same allowance for them as the old 
ones, their share would amount to four thousand two hundred 
millions ; making a grand total of sixteen thousand two hun- 
dred millions of noxious insects destroyed in the space of four 
months by this single species. The combined ravages of such 
a hideous host of vermin would be sufficient to spread famine 
and desolation over a wide extent of the richest and best culti- 
vated country on earth. 

" All this, it may be said, is mere supposition. It is, how- 
ever, supposition founded on known and acknowledged facts. 

" Mr Bradley, in his General Treatise on Husbandry and 
Gardening, shows c that a pair of sparrows, during the time 
they have their young ones to feed, destroy on an average, 
(eveiy week) about three thousand three hundred and sixty 
caterpillars.' This calculation he founded on actual observa- 
tion. And it is well known that several kinds of our birds, 
such as the Hirundo, muscicapa genera, and some others, feed 
entirely on insects. 

" I am fully persuaded, as long as farmers and others permit 
boys to roam over their fields and shoot down every small 
bird they meet — as long as young men are in the habit, on 
our anniversaries, of forming themselves into shooting par- 
ties, for the purpose of destroying small birds, which they do 
in immense numbers — I say as long as this wanton destruc- 
tion of birds is carried on, we must expect innumerable hosts 
of noxious insects will continue to commit depredations on 
our orchards, our fields, and our gardens," — New England 
Farmer, Vol. vii. No, 1. 



